Maria Benzon, Ed. D. Faculty in College of Education

Dr. Maria Benzon is an experienced educator with over 24 years of leadership and teaching in urban public schools and universities. Her expertise includes math curriculum development, cognitive science, and equity-focused strategies that empower historically marginalized students. She has presented her research at national STEM workshops, contributing to the professional growth of educators across the country.

Dr. Benzon’s career began in San Antonio ISD, where she served as a math teacher, department chair, and gifted and talented coordinator. She later moved to Houston ISD, where she became a district math specialist while earning her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. At the University of Houston, she taught both undergraduate and doctoral students, co-chaired technology conferences, and co-directed STEM summer camps. Her work has earned her multiple awards for research and teaching.

In the past decade, Dr. Benzon has expanded her reach as a Regional Instructor for Texas Instruments, training educators on graphing calculators, and serving on the Educational Leadership Council for the national EF+Math Program. Most recently, she earned a graduate certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics.

Currently, Dr. Benzon is the Assistant Director of Assessment in the Office of Assessment and Accreditation at the University of Houston-Downtown. Outside of work, she enjoys talking about social and political issues with her husband, discovering new restaurants with her mother, and playing volleyball with her daughter.