Esmeralda Maldonado is a 2023-2024 Teach Plus California Emergent Bilingual Change Agent. Esmeralda is a 5th grade dual-language immersion teacher and English language facilitator at Armada Elementary School in Moreno Valley, California. She supports teachers and students meeting their goals to reclassify as fluent English speakers while also embracing their first language. Her past leadership positions include spelling bee, media club, STEAM club coordinator and grade level lead. She earned her BS in legal studies with a minor in internet programming from the University of La Verne and an MEd in general education with bilingual teaching credential from the University of California, Riverside.
