Gladys Marquez

Gladys Fátima Márquez is a high school bilingual English Language Learners (ELL) Teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience. She was elected to the NEA Executive Committee in 2021 for her first three-year term and in 2024 for a second 3-year term.

As the past chair of the NEA Hispanic Caucus, Gladys organized nationwide events to raise awareness about the plight of immigrants in America, including “Teach-Ins” at immigration detention centers, humanitarian missions to shelters at the border, and helped organize massive marches in protest of the national policy leading to the separation of immigrant families and the incarceration of immigrant children.  

Gladys also lobbied and led efforts in support of a clean Dream Act, and fought for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), advocated for Deferred Action for Parental Adjustment (DAPA), and helped facilitate countless “Know-Your-Rights” clinics to help protect immigrant communities across the nation. Her goal has always been focused on the advocacy and protection of those living in the shadows of America’s broken immigration system.  

Gladys began her education career in Midlothian, Illinois in 1996 working as a parent liaison, Spanish language translator, in her sons’ elementary school.  In 2000, she began her teaching career as a 7th grade bilingual/ELL student and has since taught students in grades ranging from kindergarten to adult education.  

Gladys holds a bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts Education, a Master of Arts in secondary school administration, and a Doctor of Education in multi- and interdisciplinary studies, all from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois.