His research interests include: LatCrit, identity and gender studies. He focuses on the pedagogical practices and contributions of Latina/o bilingual elementary teachers, the use children’s literature in the elementary classroom with social justice and gender equity themes. In addition, Dr. Lara’s research focuses on the underrepresentation of Latino males in the elementary grades. Dr. Lara has had over 14 years of experience with emergent bilinguals in both elementary, middle school and post-secondary education. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Bilingual/ESL Education from Boise State University and a Ph.D. in Bilingual/Bicultural Education from The University of Texas at Austin. Lara CV.