Leticia Alvarez’s journey with Normandale Community College spans nearly two decades, marked by perseverance, community, and a deep commitment to youth. A Bloomington native, she first enrolled at Normandale in 2007, unsure of her long‑term plans but determined to begin her college education close to home.
Years later, after building a career in Bloomington Public Schools and becoming a mother, Leticia felt the pull to return. In 2022, an email from her district’s equity specialist introduced her to a new program at Normandale, SpedUP, a pathway designed to increase representation in special education and remove barriers for future educators.
“I saw the email and thought, Let me check this out,” she recalled. “Special education has always been part of the work I do. When I learned about SpedUP, it just felt like an innate pathway to jump on.”
Leticia joined one of SpedUP’s earliest cohorts, just three or four students at the time, and quickly became a leader within the group. Guided by former program coordinator Kelsey Johnson and current program coordinator Kenny Chan, she found mentorship, community, and a program that honored her lived experience as a Black woman educator and a non‑traditional student.
Her dedication led to a historic milestone. “I’m actually the first graduate of the SpedUP program,” she shared. “It’s pretty cool.”
Leticia earned her Associate of Science in Spring 2024, then transferred directly to Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Special Education in Spring 2026.
Leticia describes SpedUP as academically rigorous, culturally affirming, and deeply supportive. “If I could have stayed at Normandale for all four years, I would have,” she said. “The rigor was there, but they also understood that many of us are non‑traditional students with full lives.”
She credits Dr. Sara Toland as one of her most influential professors.
“She held us to high expectations while giving amazing direct instruction. She helped us think critically about the world we’re stepping into as future teachers.” SpedUP also opened doors for storytelling and representation. The City of Bloomington spotlighted her classroom work, giving visibility to her impact as an educator.
“Storytelling is part of my legacy,” Leticia said. “It was powerful to share what we were doing as future teachers of color.” Leticia’s leadership extended beyond her cohort. She advocated for stronger collaboration between SpedUP and Sirtify®, Normandale’s program supporting future Black male educators.
Her advocacy helped strengthen ties between the two programs, creating shared spaces for future educators of color to learn, connect, and grow. Today, Leticia serves as Bloomington’s first Restorative Practices Specialist at Kennedy High School, a role focused on reducing harm, building community, and ensuring equitable access to learning.
“I’m one of one in Bloomington,” she said. “It’s been powerful to create a pathway for others who love youth work but haven’t yet had access to licensure.” She has spent 20 years in education, including 16 years unlicensed, working directly with youth as a paraprofessional, mentor, and advocate.
Leticia’s message to new or returning students is grounded in honesty and hope: “Believe in yourself. There’s power in that,” she said. “I got a four‑year degree for free, and you can too.”
She wants young people, especially first‑generation students, students of color, and non‑traditional learners, to know that college is possible, affordable, and worth pursuing.
Leticia’s joy, pride, and optimism shine through every part of her journey. “I’m a mom, a partner, a daughter, a friend, a sister, an educator, and a trailblazer,” she said. “Whenever a young person reads my story, I want them to feel possibility.”
Her impact is already visible. When Kennedy students tour Normandale, they often return to her with excitement: “Ms. Alvarez, I saw your picture up at Normandale!”
Representation matters and Leticia embodies it with grace, authenticity, and unwavering commitment.
Leticia continues to stay connected with SpedUP, Sirtify®, and her former instructors. She proudly calls herself a self‑proclaimed ambassador for Normandale. “Anytime you need me, I’m here,” she said. “Normandale changed my life. Let’s keep doing the work.”
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