Bio
Dr. Maria Gonzales has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education 1-8, and a Master of Science degree in Bilingual and ESL. Dr. Gonzales earned her doctorate degree in Education from the Texas A&M system and has earned numerous certifications including Early Childhood Education, Mid-Management, Supervision Pre-K-12, and Art. She has taught PreK-12 grades, including Project Smart, Migrant Head Start, Public School Head Start programs, GED and Adult ESL coursesand bilingual/At-Risk teacher, Mentor Teacher, Lead Instructor, and Clinical Teacher Supervisor at various public-schooldistricts, community college course and university undergraduate and graduate level courses in Texas for over 35 years. Her past administrative roles include, Migrant Head Start Education Specialist, Elementary Facilitator, Dyslexia Secondary Coordinator, Education/Early Childhood/College Success Program Chair at a community college setting and Coordinator of Project Smart Summer school program. Dr. Gonzales Coordinated and developed a TExES Teacher Test Preparation Lab at the former University of Texas-Pan American, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She has served on Child Welfare and Head Start Boards. Her greatest accomplishment was securing a grant along with her team from the U.S. Department of Education to spearhead the building of an Early Childhood Center in Deep South Texas. Dr. Gonzales joined The University ofTexas San Antonio in 2016. She continues to be an advocate for Teachers and learning equity opportunities for all children and students enrolled in all school settings at the community, state, and national levels.
