María Teresa Ruiz
"Innovation is about seeing things from a different perspective"
María Teresa's experience in early childhood education began as Migrant Head Start Parent when her oldest son was three years old. She pursued and obtained a Masters of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Child Development Graduate Certificate to enhance her twenty-three years of practice in the field of early childhood education. She served in different capacities as an instructional para-professional and lead teacher for both federal and state preschool Programs.
As a child development specialist, Ms. Ruiz supported professional development workshops disseminating evidenced-based research for high-quality program improvement. Some of the in-service workshops focused on intentional strategies supporting staff response to challenging behaviors; play-based approaches to language and literacy development, music and movement as an engaging developmental approach supporting curriculum outcomes for children with special needs, and the language acquisition of English and Dual Language Learners. She is a certified STEM educator by the National Institute of STEM education (NISE), and has been a CLASS™ reliable observer and presenter at ECE conferences
Ms. Ruiz has a passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education in the early years. She is focused on disseminating best practices to individualize powerful and unique learning approaches that support high-quality STEAM experiences in early childhood education.
Her Books
Maria's Creative Workshop/El Rincón de Mayte
Supporting creativity in young children.
Early Childhood is a sensitive time in a life of a human being, it offers the perfect window of opportunity to develop a variety of skills, character traits, and perceptions. As adults, we have the responsibility to do what it takes to raise human beings who dream, think collectively, plan, persevere, create, care and love. This book offers a special moment for children and adults to engage in conversations that prompt creative and critical thinking. It is my contribution to a better world, what is yours?
A positive and inspiring tale about a little girl who enjoys using her creativity to plan, fix, and make new things in her special place: ‘Maria’s Creative Workshop’ This book offers a perfect example of perseverance and creativity. Effortlessly blending a fun and lively story with a beautiful message about the character. This delightful children’s book helps kids discover that everybody has a special power called creativity; it transforms your ideas, imagination, and dreams into reality. This book includes vocabulary words to enrich children’s language & a list of questions to fire up the imagination of youngsters eager to create their own inventions. It is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
El Rincón de Mayte - Spanish Edition
El Rincón de Mayte - Bilingual Edition
This edition includes both versions of the story (English and Spanish). More STEAM extension activities, vocabulary, questions to think, and strategies to support dual language learners.
Additional Resources
For more resources and activities, select the button below. You can also follow her STEAM page on Facebook.