Dr. Ana María Villegas is Professor in the Department of Secondary and Special Education and Director of the Doctoral Program in Teacher Education and Teacher Development at Montclair State University. She teaches courses in teacher education policy and research, culturally responsive teaching, and sociocultural perspectives on teaching and learning. She has a Ph.D. in curriculum and teaching from New York University. Prior to joining MSU in September 1996, she was a Senior Research Scientist with the Division of Education Policy Research of Educational Testing Service, a position she held for eight years. She has also taught at the University of Colorado-Denver, Department of Language, Literacy, and Culture. Dr. Villegas began her career as a teacher in the NYC Public Schools.

Dr. Villegas specializes in the preparation of teachers for a diverse student population and the recruitment and preparation of teachers of diverse backgrounds. She has conducted research on culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, policies and programs for diversifying the teaching force, and strategies for transforming teacher education for diversity.