Pearl Anzaldúa-Martínez is the Director of Quality Assessment for the City of Chicago team at the McCormick Institute’s Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University. Pearl received her B.A. in Bilingual Bicultural Elementary Education at Northeastern Illinois University. She holds a Masters in Literacy Education from Northeastern Illinois University and is currently a PhD candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University in Chicago. Pearl’s work is centered in authentic assessment practices and support systems that advocate for the education of developing English Language Learners and language acquisition programs. Pearl’s research interest is exploring the social and political contexts that affect urban education and bilingual/bicultural students. She is passionate about creating spaces that engage educators, students and communities, in conversations that move toward creating equitable learning environments. Pearl’s work also includes coaching and professional development for teachers in dual language programs, as well as organizations interested in working with English Learners and Literacy Instruction. Pearl is a recipient of Diversifying Faculty in Illinois scholarship, a McNair Scholar, and a member of the National Honors Society.