Dr. Gabriela Peterson

Education / Degrees

• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration, New Mexico State University
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
• Bachelor of Education in Educational Sciences, Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas Torres
• Graduate Certificate in TESOL, New Mexico State University
• Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning, New Mexico State University
• Graduate Certificate in Bilingual Education, New Mexico State University

Biography

Dr. Gabriela Peterson serves as Director / Student Success Supervisor of the Upward Bound program, leading initiatives that expand educational access and success for first-generation and underrepresented students. She also serves as an Parttime Faculty of Education, teaching and mentoring future educators with a focus on equity and inclusion.

A bilingual educator and scholar fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Peterson has extensive experience in both K–12 and higher education. She applies culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogies and Universal Design for Learning principles to design inclusive instruction that fosters engagement, critical thinking, and academic success. Committed to professional growth, she engages in ongoing development in bilingual education, online teaching, and culturally responsive leadership, while collaborating with colleagues and community partners to strengthen learning environments.

Her educational philosophy emphasizes affirming students’ identities, fostering belonging, and promoting equity. She is passionate about leadership, collaboration, and mentoring, working to build supportive school–community partnerships that enhance student achievement.

Professional Organizations

Textbook and Academic Authors Association
Association of Teacher Educators
Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers
National Association for Bilingual Education
Association for the Study of Higher Education
TESOL International Association