Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Usero-gonzalez
Hi Francisco, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into education is deeply rooted in my early experiences growing up in a small village near Sevilla, Spain, its name: Tocina-Los Rosales. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of language and the joy of learning, but my path to becoming an educator wasn’t a straight line. For nearly ten years, I worked in tourism, but there was always this persistent voice inside me, calling me to the classroom.
At 27, I finally answered that call. I left my career in tourism to pursue what had always been my true passion—teaching. My teaching journey took me across Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, where I had the privilege of working in multilingual classrooms. These experiences broadened my understanding of language learning and set the stage for what was to come. Before stepping into the public education school system in Spain, I became a passionate bilingual storyteller, known as Robot-TIC-o, where I had the joy of promoting healthy reading habits among children and their families. This experience was invaluable—it allowed me to connect with families on a deeper level and showed me the incredible impact that stories and language can have on young minds.
In 2015, I had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program between Spain and the United States, which brought me to Houston. This move was transformative. As a bilingual Pre-K teacher in Houston ISD, I found myself in a vibrant, diverse educational environment that challenged me to grow as an educator. It was here that my interest in the intersection of bilingual education and learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia, began to take shape.
This interest wasn’t just professional; it was personal. As a child, I struggled with a significant stutter, a challenge that isolated me and made school a difficult experience. Those early struggles have never left me. They’ve shaped who I am and have driven me to ensure that no child feels the isolation and frustration that I once did.
Today, my work is centered on creating inclusive, supportive learning environments that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity and meet the needs of all students, especially those with learning differences. I’ve had the privilege of working with educators across the globe, helping them understand and bridge the gap between bilingual education and special education. Every step of this journey has reinforced my belief that education is not just about imparting or sharing knowledge—it’s about lifting others up, helping them find their voice, and ensuring they never feel alone in their learning journey. Inclusive education empowers people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth. While I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse and enriching environments, the journey has also been marked by significant challenges that have shaped my perspective as an educator.
One of the earliest and most personal obstacles I faced was my own struggle with language as a child. After undergoing major kidney surgery, I developed a stutter, known as ‘tartamudeo’ in Spanish, which made it difficult for me to communicate effectively. In a small rural village with limited resources, this stutter became a significant barrier, isolating me from my peers and making school a challenging environment. The lack of professional support meant that my family and I had to navigate this challenge largely on our own, which was incredibly difficult, both socially and emotionally. However, this experience also planted the seed of empathy and understanding that now informs my work with students facing their own linguistic challenges.
As I transitioned into teaching, the challenges didn’t disappear—they simply evolved. Moving to different countries, adapting to new educational systems, and working in multilingual classrooms required me to constantly adapt and learn. In Houston, I faced the challenge of addressing the unique needs of bilingual students who also had learning disabilities like dyslexia. The complexity of these intersections was daunting at times, and I had to delve deeply into research and professional development to equip myself with the necessary tools to support my students effectively.
Moreover, balancing the cultural differences between my background and those of the students I taught was another challenge. Understanding and respecting these differences while trying to meet the diverse needs of my students required a delicate balance of sensitivity, flexibility, and constant reflection. It was a continuous learning process that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle became a learning opportunity. They taught me resilience, deepened my empathy, and fueled my passion for creating inclusive educational environments. These struggles have not only shaped me as an educator but have also strengthened my commitment to ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and empowered in their learning journey.
And of course, having my family in Spain is a big obstacle or challenge too. I am a family person so they’re very important for me. Fortunately, we have too many technological advances that we can videochat almost every day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is a blend of passion, personal history, and professional expertise, rooted in some of the most nuanced and often overlooked areas of education—second language acquisition, the intersection of bilingual education and special education, and family engagement, particularly within low-SES Hispanic communities.
Growing up in a small rural village near Sevilla in the 1980s -years after the end of a dictatorship-, I experienced firsthand the challenges that come with limited resources and support. My mother, who lost her own mother at the age of 15, raised me in a world where educational opportunities were scarce, and yet, she instilled in me the values of resilience, hard work, and the importance of education. Her determination to provide me with a better life, despite the odds, is the foundation of my commitment to helping families like ours navigate the educational system. I know what it feels like to struggle, to face obstacles that seem insurmountable, and I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring that no child or family feels alone in their journey.
In my current role as an Assistant Professor in the Bilingual Education and ESL programs at Sam Houston State University, I have the privilege of shaping the next generation of bilingual and ESL teachers. My courses are designed not only to equip these future educators with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the classroom but also to prepare them for the Texas teacher certification. I emphasize the importance of being not just teachers, but storytellers—individuals who can use their own stories to empower their students. I believe that stories have the power to transform lives, and I encourage my students to tap into their personal narratives to inspire and connect with their future learners.
Speaking of stories, we’ve taken this concept a step further with our Spanish book reading club, “Club Leo.” This initiative was something of a pioneering effort, aimed at helping Spanish language students practice and improve their language skills in a fun and engaging way. “Club Leo” has been a tremendous success, not only in terms of the language skills developed but also in sparking a love for reading among our students. The positive outcomes have caught the attention of many on social media, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm and interest grow. “Club Leo” has become a vibrant community where students can immerse themselves in Spanish literature, discuss themes, and share their interpretations, all while improving their language proficiency.
As a consultant and researcher, I specialize in helping schools and educators understand the complex intersections of bilingual education and special education, particularly for Spanish-speaking students. These students often face unique challenges—learning in a language that isn’t their first while also managing learning disabilities like dyslexia. My background in linguistics, pedagogy, and language learning has equipped me with the tools to address these challenges head-on. I’ve been fortunate to travel and study across Europe, becoming fluent in Spanish, English, and French, with some knowledge of German and Italian. This multilingual, multicultural perspective allows me to connect with students and families in a deeply personal way, understanding the intricacies of their experiences and the obstacles they face.
What sets my work apart is the integration of these diverse elements—language, culture, cognitive development, and family engagement—into a holistic approach to education. I’ve had the privilege of helping numerous schools and districts across Texas create environments where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered. Professionals and experts in the field often seek my guidance in these areas, knowing that I bring a unique blend of academic knowledge and lived experience to the table.
But what truly drives me, what fills me with the most pride, is seeing others succeed. Whether it’s a student overcoming the challenges of learning in a second language, a teacher gaining new insights into their craft, or a family becoming more engaged in their child’s education, their victories are my victories. I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done with families from low-SES Hispanic backgrounds, helping them break through barriers and become active participants in their children’s education. This work is deeply personal to me because I know what it’s like to fight for a better future in the face of adversity.
In addition to my work as an educator, researcher, and consultant, I am deeply committed to advocacy. I am an active member of several non-profit organizations that focus on education and bilingualism, including the Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education (HAABE). Serving on the committee board of HAABE, particularly in charge of their social media, has allowed me to merge my passion for education with my desire to make a tangible impact in my community. Through this role, I’ve been able to amplify the voices of bilingual educators, students, and their families, share valuable resources, and engage with the community in meaningful ways. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how these efforts have strengthened connections within the community and raised awareness about the importance of bilingual education.
My contributions to these organizations are a vital part of my professional life. They provide me with the platform to advocate for policies and practices that support bilingual students and their families. It’s about more than just being a member—it’s about actively participating in the conversation, driving change, and ensuring that our community has the resources and support it needs to thrive.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family. The values my mother passed down to me—strength, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge—are woven into everything I do. Their influence is a constant reminder of why I do this work and why it’s so important to continue pushing for change.
How do you define success?
For me, success is about making an impact—it’s about the difference I can make in the lives of others, in the communities I serve, and in the world at large. As someone who came to this country from a small village in Spain, success has always been deeply personal. It’s not something that can be measured by the same yardstick as those who’ve lived here for generations. My success is shaped by the challenges I’ve faced as a citizen of the world, many people call us “immigrants”; by the values instilled in me by my family, and by my commitment to diversity and empowerment.
The American Dream has always been a powerful symbol of possibility, and for me, it represents the chance to build something meaningful, not just for myself, but for others. My journey hasn’t been easy—there have been countless moments of stepping out of my comfort zone, of pushing myself to conquer fears and doubts. Thank you my family for all your support! But that’s where real success lies. It’s in those moments of challenge and growth, where you’re running a marathon, not just to be the first to cross the finish line, but to experience the journey, to push your limits, and to achieve something you never thought possible.
Running half marathons has taught me that success isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the process, the dedication, the commitment, the drive to be a better version of yourself each day of your life, and the perseverance. It’s about setting a goal and working tirelessly toward it, even when the road is long and the obstacles seem insurmountable. Crossing that finish line, no matter your place in the race, makes you feel like a winner because you’ve conquered something within yourself. You’ve stepped out of your comfort zone, and that’s a victory in itself.
As a Hispanic educator and advocate, I see my community’s success as my own. When I help a student overcome a language barrier, or when I see a family from a low-SES background become more engaged in their child’s education, I know that we’re all moving forward together. My success is intricately tied to the success of those around me. It’s about lifting others up, empowering them to achieve their own dreams, and celebrating our collective achievements.
In the end, success for me is about leaving a legacy of empowerment, diversity, and impact. It’s about knowing that the work I’ve done has helped others find their voice, achieve their goals, and step out of their own comfort zones. It’s not just about reaching the finish line, but about the journey we take to get there—and the people we bring along with us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.druserogonzalez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/druserogonzalez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaestroUsero
- Twitter: https://x.com/DrUseroGonzalez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHoHpK8VqBGnMvBPua8jj8w
Image Credits
All the pictures shared with you are available for everyone on my social media accounts.
There are two from the TEDxSHSU – they’re ok to be used. Indeed, they are all available on the official ted talk site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTap_duyne4 from https://www.youtube.com/@TEDx
The picture with Pearland ISD in the background wall belongs to the Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education that is open to public as well.
The picture with “BESO (Bilingual Education Student Organization) is open to everyone.
The rest of the pictures belong to my last study abroad program at SHSU in Costa Rica. You can find the pictures on their website too.
https://www.shsu.edu/today@sam/T@S/article/2024/education-students-in-costa-rica
Please contact me for more details if necessary.
