Vanessa Montoya, EdD, has devoted more than two decades to education, specializing in English as a Second Language, bilingual education, teacher coaching, and Spanish as a foreign language. Since 2023, she has been a high school Spanish teacher at Chicago Public Schools (CPS), where she focuses on student professional development and the creation of culturally diverse curricula. In this role, she equips students with effective communication strategies to earn the Seal of Biliteracy and the opportunity to receive college credit through a rigorous curriculum.
In addition to her current CPS position, Dr. Montoya has been an adjunct professor at Olivet Nazarene University since 2008 and is an active member of the National Education Association. Her professional experience also includes roles as a district biliteracy coach for Community School District 99 from 2018 to 2020 and as a dual language fifth-grade teacher at U-46 from 2016 to 2018. Moreover, Dr. Montoya was a bilingual reading resource teacher at Round Lake Area Schools Community Unit School District 116 from 2014 to 2016 and a middle school Spanish ENCORE teacher at Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 from 2012 to 2014. She also taught language education at Barrington 220 School District during the 2008-2009 academic year and began her career in 2003 as a teacher at Mundelein Elementary School District 75.
To prepare for her accomplished career as an educator, Dr. Montoya laid a strong educational foundation, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in Spanish from Roosevelt University in 2003 and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University in 2005. She furthered her studies with a master’s degree in Spanish language and literature from National Louis University in 2006. In 2021, Dr. Montoya earned a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Walden University, which has been instrumental in shaping her leadership roles. Additionally, she holds certifications from the Illinois State Board of Education.
Reflecting on her path, Dr. Montoya overcame challenges as a second-language learner and single teenage mother. Facing adversity and discouragement, she remained determined to succeed, inspired by her grandfather’s unwavering support. She learned to embrace her resilience, using her experiences to fuel her passion for education and advocacy, which motivated her to rise above expectations.
Throughout her career, Dr. Montoya has learned that education is a continuous journey. She believes that growth comes from staying adaptable, as curriculum, technology, and student needs are always evolving. She emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, ensuring that educators remain responsive to changes in their communities and the world. She has also learned to integrate her cultural background into her profession, serving a community that reflects her heritage and experiences. In light of her impressive undertakings in the field, she was honored as the Female Educator/Representative of the Year by the International Society of Female Professionals in 2022 and was named Teacher of the Year in 2005 and 2010.
Dr. Montoya takes immense pride in her family’s continued educational legacy. Her daughter is a high school Spanish teacher with a master’s degree in education, while her son is pursuing a law degree at the University of Minnesota with the goal of becoming a criminal attorney. Outside of her educational roles, she has dedicated her time as a volunteer with Feed My Starving Children since 2003 and is active with St. Alphonsus Church.
Looking to the future, Dr. Montoya aims to expand her impact through professional development and deeper community engagement. She also aspires to take on a more active leadership role within her profession, guiding educators and shaping policies that benefit diverse learners. Ultimately, she hopes to step into a director position within CPS, furthering her commitment to advancing education.