She earned her PhD in Mathematics Education with a doctoral portfolio in Mexican American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She has taught elementary mathematics methods courses at central Texas universities for over 10 years and conducts professional development sessions on Cognitively Guided Instruction with elementary teachers from Texas, Arkansas and Florida. Dr. Maldonado’s primary research interests follow the mathematical learning experiences of the bilingual learner, from elementary student to pre-service teachers, in particular documenting empowering teaching and learning practices.