The Puertas Learning Lab advances educational equity by bridging policy, practice, and research to strengthen STEM and Social Studies learning for underserved communities. Grounded in the UC Davis School of Education, we focus on recruiting, preparing, and supporting K–12 educators, with a particular emphasis on bilingual teachers. Our work spans the full arc of the educator pipeline, from undergraduate future teachers and paraprofessionals to inservice teachers.

In close partnership with communities and families, especially multilingual families, we work alongside undergraduate students, graduate students, and teacher candidates as co-creators of research-informed curricula and informal STEM and Social Studies programs for families and students.

Guided by unity, linguistic justice, and community knowledge, the Puertas Learning Lab builds inclusive, community-centered learning environments and cultivates opportunities that open doors for teachers and students alike.