Maneka Brooks, PhD, is a professor and dean of the College of Education at Portland State University. She is an equity-focused academic leader who believes that Colleges of Education play a crucial role in working alongside communities and individuals toward a more just society. Prior to PSU, Dr. Brooks served as the associate dean of academic affairs and educator preparation at Texas State University (TXST). A pivotal figure there, her focus included advancing academic initiatives, overseeing undergraduate academic advising, and fostering partnerships with school districts – all while promoting equity and inclusion. Previously Dr. Brooks was the assistant dean of academic affairs and student success, coordinating scholarships, collegewide student learning outcomes, and developing support initiatives for students.
Dr. Brooks is a distinguished scholar, committed to creating equitable learning environments for bilingual adolescents by re-imagining educational practices that are taken for granted. Her research spans the topics of bilingualism, adolescent literacy instruction, language proficiency and assessment, and course placement. She has published articles in prestigious journals, such as TESOL Quarterly, Teachers College Record, and Journal of Literacy Research. Her accolades include the Mid-Career Award from the American Education Research Association's Second Language Research SIG, National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship, and numerous top downloaded article awards from esteemed journals. Among her many publications is a book titled "Transforming Literacy Education for Long-Term English Learners: Recognizing Brilliance in the Undervalued," showcasing her dedication to enhancing literacy education for bilingual students.
Dr. Brooks obtained her PhD in Educational Linguistics from Stanford University. Her dissertation, "Beyond 'Limited English Proficiency': Reading, Bilingualism, and LTELS," reflects her deep engagement with equity, bilingualism, and literacy. She also holds a MA in Bilingual Secondary Education and a BA in Psychology, with a minor in Spanish, both from Loyola Marymount University.