Maria E. Barrientos has 35 years of experience in public education. She began her career with HISD at J.P. Henderson Elementary School. After teaching kindergarten and fourth grade, and completing her administrative internship, Ms. Barrientos took on various leadership roles at JPHES, as well as at other public and charter schools. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses at the university level.

Ms. Barrientos holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Houston Central Campus and a master’s degree in educational mid-management and supervision from Texas Southern University. In addition, she completed her doctoral coursework at Texas Southern University in school administration and educational policy. Ms. Barrientos has certifications in Elementary Education, ESL / Bilingual, Psychology, and Mid-Management.

Ms. Barrientos is the recipient of numerous awards for her dedication and commitment to serving children and families. Most recently she was presented the Humanitarian Award/Public Education Advocate of the Year award by the National Hispanic Professional Organization Houston and the Future National Leader Award by Bank of America.