Irma Gonzalez Cuadros

Welcome

¡Hola! Hello! Ni hao! Satsriakal! Nyob zoo! Konnichiwa! Bonjour!

¡Bienvenido a esta página! (Welcome to this page!)

I hope this page gives you a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped me, and the path that led me to Butte College—not once, but twice: as a student and as an educator!

My journey as an educator has been shaped by the people, communities, and experiences that have been part of my story. It began in elementary schools in Mexico, where I taught students in grades 1–6. After immigrating to the United States in 1990, I had to start over again and began the second chapter of my educational journey as a college student. Just like many of you, I was a Roadrunner too! I pursued my first degree in the USA with the support of my husband while raising my daughters and working a full-time job. Balancing family, work, and school was a team effort -so much so that even cleaning the house and doing laundry on weekends became a whole family business! These experiences shaped my understanding of perseverance, responsibility, and the many commitments students manage while pursuing their goals.

I cannot tell you enough how happy I was when I achieved my Associate degree at Butte College and my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Human Development at Pacific Oaks College. These degrees came with specializations in infant and toddler development, college teaching and adult learning, and educational leadership. Supporting learners at every stage of life continues to guide my work, and I want you to experience the success of achieving your educational goals too! While our life stories and educational journeys may be different, we also share experiences, hopes, and goals that connect us.

My professional journey includes teaching in rural elementary schools, serving children and families through Head Start for more than 15 years, and teaching at Butte College since 2008. These experiences have strengthened my belief that every student brings valuable knowledge and strengths to our learning community.

As an educator, I have had the privilege of supporting diverse learners, and that includes more than a decade of working with monolingual Spanish-speaking college students. These experiences have shaped my commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where multilingualism, cultural identity, lived experiences, and varied abilities are valued as strengths that enrich our learning. I have been very fortunate to learn alongside children, families, educators, and college students from many cultural, linguistic, and community backgrounds.

I believe education extends beyond the classroom through community partnerships and campus-wide service. I have collaborated to promote access to quality early childhood education and created free Open Educational Resources (OERs) to help reduce barriers and increase access to learning materials.

Learning happens best when everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute. Each semester, I renew my commitment to creating an inclusive learning community. I enjoy learning with and from my students as we explore ideas, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for success in this course and beyond.

Community Service: More than 20 years collaborating with the Local Child Care Planning Council and Head Start programs in Butte, Tehama, and Glenn Counties.

Campus Wide Service: Diversity Committee, Curriculum Committee, Program Review and Recommendation, College Council, President’s Council on Innovation, Planning and Budget Committee, Equivalency Committee, Sabbatical and Professional Advancement Committee, 2025-2027 Academic Senate President, and Butte College Faculty Delegate at ASCCC Plenary Sessions.

If I started again and I could do it, you can too! ¡Sí se puede!