Maria Partida
Educator
Laredo,TX
Work Preference
Summary
I am an experienced higher education leader with a strong background in program administration, strategic planning, and student success initiatives. I have successfully managed high-impact programs that serve diverse and underserved student populations, including first-generation and migrant students, achieving measurable growth in student engagement and participation.
I specialize in planning, organizing, and directing programs, supervising and training staff, managing budgets, and implementing data-informed improvements to enhance program effectiveness. My expertise includes designing workshops, leadership development programs, and academic support initiatives that foster student retention and success.
I am also knowledgeable in AI tools for education and learning analytics, leveraging innovative technologies to optimize program outcomes, track progress, and enhance the student learning experience. Bilingual in English and Spanish, I am committed to advancing equitable access to higher education through collaborative, outcome-driven programs.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Manuel Blanco Writing and Research Center Director
Laredo College
Laredo, TX
08.2022 - 03.2026
- Lead daily operations of the Writing Center, supervising tutors and coordinating face-to-face, online, and asynchronous services.
- Develop and deliver workshops on academic writing, formatting, professional communication, and student success.
- Collaborate with faculty and departments on campus-wide writing initiatives, events, and community engagement projects.
- Conduct assessment and reporting through WEAVE to support accreditation and SACSCOC compliance.
Manuel Blanco Writing&Research Center Coordinator
Laredo College
Laredo, TX
04.2020 - 03.2026
- Provide management and leadership support to establish systems for day-to-day operations. Plan, develop, and implement new processes to support research while maximizing study capabilities.
- Serve as the liaison between the Writing Center and the faculty to determine needs for programs and services, maintain resources, and promote writing on campus.
- Assist students with various aspects of writing, editing, researching, and formatting in APA and MLA.
English Supplemental Instructional Leader
Laredo Community College
Laredo, TX
2016 - 2019
- Optimize classroom instruction by designing and facilitating an engaging curriculum. Build effective communication channels with students through mentoring to strengthen the implementation of best teaching standards, constructive learning, conflict resolution, and personal development.
- Validate student academic progression using evaluative measures including in-class participation, assignments, and examinations.
- Advise students on ways to achieve academic success and reach personal and professional growth.
- Earned Writing Center of the Year.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
University of the People
Pasadena, CA05.2024
Master of Arts in Science - Psychology
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX05.2014
Skills
Professional Skills
Program Leadership & Administration
- Strategic Planning & Goal Setting
- Program Development & Implementation
- Staff Supervision & Team Leadership
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Budget Oversight & Resource Management
- Grant Compliance & Reporting
Student Success & Academic Support
- Student Engagement & Retention Strategies
- Workshop, Seminar & Training Design
- Leadership Development Programming
- First-Generation & Underserved Student Support
- Tutoring & Academic Mentorship
Data, Technology & Innovation
- Program Assessment & Data Analysis
- Performance Metrics Tracking
- Reporting & Documentation
- AI Tools for Education & Learning Analytics
- Virtual Communication Platforms (Zoom, Online Learning Tools)
Communication & Collaboration
- Public Speaking & Presentations
- Stakeholder & Partnership Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
- Writing & Editing for Reports and Academic Materials
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Data Tracking & Reporting Systems
- Project & Event Management Tools (Trello, Asana)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Awards
2025, Outstanding Teamwork Award
2025, Commitment to Excellence Award
2023, International Writing Centers Association Future Leaders Award
2019, Outstanding Teamwork Award
Accomplishments
Outstanding Teamwork Award 2025,
Commitment to Excellence Award 2023
International Writing Centers Association Future Leaders Award 2023
Outstanding Teamwork Award 2019
Publications and Conferences
- Fall 2025, Maria Partida, "Fostering Teamwork and Community Engagement Through Experiential Learning in the Writing Center," has been accepted for publication in Innovation Abstracts by NISOD. This recognition highlights the Center’s leadership in integrating experiential learning practices and fostering a collaborative team culture.
- 2025, Maria Partida, "Empowering Tutors for the Future: Navigating GAI to Elevate Student Writing," published in Rocky Mountain Writing Centers Association-Issue 3.
- 2025, Maria Partida, "AI Training and Assessment of Writing Tutors and Writing Center Technology Pedagogy" Impact of Emergent Technologies on Writing Centers and Pedagogy.
- 2016, Partida, M., & Blackburn, A. The Contribution of Attention and Conflict Detection to Perceptual-Cognitive Superiority during Sports Anticipation. Presented at the Texas A&M University System 13th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium. Prairie View, TX.
- 2015, Partida, M., & Terrazas, E. Cuento Therapy como Estrategia Multicultural: Bilinguals and their Expression of Emotions. Presented at the Texas A&M University System 12th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium. Corpus Christi, TX.
Affiliations
- International Writing Center's Association (IWCA)
- NISOD
Interests
Research and writing on the pedagogy of writing centers and peer tutoring Developing innovative programs to support first-generation and underserved students Integrating AI and technology into educational programs and student learning Leadership development and mentorship in higher education Presenting research and best practices at professional conferences and publications
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Software
Zoom, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Notion, Gamma, Canva, ChatGPT
Timeline
Manuel Blanco Writing and Research Center Director
Laredo College
08.2022 - 03.2026
Manuel Blanco Writing&Research Center Coordinator
Laredo College
04.2020 - 03.2026
Master of Arts - Education
University of the People
English Supplemental Instructional Leader
Laredo Community College
2016 - 2019
Master of Arts in Science - Psychology
Texas A&M International University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Texas A&M International University