Maria T.

About Maria T.

Innovative and strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in education, technology, and government. Currently serving as Director of Educational Technology and Innovation at the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute, I specialize in developing and scaling transformative learning solutions aligned with organizational strategy and global diplomacy goals.My work sits at the intersection of instructional design, emerging technologies, and business development. I lead cross-functional teams to identify new opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and deliver high-impact, future-ready solutions. I’ve championed the integration of generative AI, launched experiential learning labs, and built partnerships across internal and external networks to increase reach, efficiency, and innovation in training delivery.With a strong focus on client relationship-building, I’ve enhanced internal operations and created client-facing offerings that increase adoption, engagement, and measurable outcomes. I thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and bring a people-first, data-informed approach to every initiative.

Experience

1. Instructional Designer Online Teacher Instructional Leader

   North Carolina Virtual Public School

   Jan 2010 — Present

   Lead Instructional Designer for NCVPS Curriculum Teams• Licensed Language Arts teacher for middle school level• Project Manager for English and History Department• Licensed English teacher for high school level• Licensed Social Studies teacher for both middle school and high school level• Licensed Special Needs Teacher.• Licensed Administrator.• Public Speaker on “How to Create Engaging Online Learning” for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) in Ocracoke, NC.• Public Speaker on “How to Create Engaging Online Learning” for the Onslow County Literacy Council.• eLearning Consultant for various schools and teachers on effective online learning. • Created and developed school wide registration process for all departments. • Awarded the North Carolina Online Teacher of the Year in 2014 • Developed and revised over 50 eLearning courses. • Created and lead professional development for the Occupational Course of Study Department on engaging online learning.• Trained and coached struggling and new teachers on how to be effective instructors in the eLearning space.• Co-created a curriculum development

Education

• East Carolina University

  Master's degree, Multicultural Literature and Transitional Languages

  2008 — 2013

• George Mason University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English Language and Literature, General

  2000 — 2005

• Appalachian State University

  Master's degree, Adminstration

• California Coast University

  Doctor of Education - EdD, Organizational Leadership