1. Tell me about yourself.

I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Plan II-Liberal Arts Honors, a BS in Applied Learning Development, and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. Upon graduation, I accepted a 6th grade math teaching position in San Antonio ISD. After 5 years, I moved back to my hometown of Houston, TX and worked as a teacher at Dowling MS, the largest middle school in Houston ISD.  The following year, I accepted the Math Coordinator Position at Dowling. Now, I am the Secondary Math Content Specialist for the Madison Feeder Pattern which includes Madison HS and Dowling MS. I am also pursuing a PhD in Educational Psychology with a focus on motivation and urban studies.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

I left my job as the Dowling MS Math Coordinator when the position of Secondary Math Content Specialist opened.
3. What experience do you have in this field of education?

I have been a Math Department Chair for 3 years in San Antonio. I have presented professional development on various topics within mathematics as well as on topics of learning theory.

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

Yes, I set goals and I have met some of them while still working on others. I am always learning in my job and am always wanting to improve what I know.  It’s like polishing a stone….

5. What do co-workers say about you?

Colleagues who work with me are likely to describe me as: technology-savvy, focused, critical, analytical, and goal-oriented.

I can be contacted at maria.benzon@gmail.com.