Dana Center Role
Mariesther serves as a senior bilingual academic program coordinator for Literacy First, a program of the Center dedicated to ensuring that all students learn to read by the end of second grade, allowing them to realize their full potential. She oversees curriculum fidelity for AmeriCorps members serving in local schools through Literacy First. Her duties include managing sites, ensuring adherence to AmeriCorps expectations, and coaching members in curriculum implementation, lesson modifications, and behavior management. Mariesther visits multiple sites across Austin weekly to ensure AmeriCorps members align with Literacy First’s mission and meet AmeriCorps service standards. She also supports development initiatives with the Literacy First curriculum and training groups.
Before Joining the Dana Center
Before rejoining Literacy First as a program coordinator, Mariesther worked as a bilingual elementary teacher in Wayside Schools and Manor Independent School District. She began her career in education as a Literacy First AmeriCorps tutor, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career in the field.
Education
- B.F.A., Sociology, St. Cloud State University
- Texas Education Agency Certifications: EC-6 Generalist, EC-6 Bilingual Education Supplemental-Spanish