Maria Poling

Degrees & Certifications

• Bachelor of Arts in English (Writing Emphasis) and Art (Studio Emphasis), Santa Clara University

• Master of Arts in Education – Instructional Technology (Curriculum Design and Development Emphasis), San José State University

• California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a Supplementary Authorization in Art, UC Davis

• Reading and Literacy Authorization, UC San Diego

I’m the daughter of Hungarian immigrants, and although I grew up in the Bay Area, I’m proud to have taught my sons to speak Hungarian and to enjoy our cultural foods.

I first joined Village as a parent, and this is now my 15th year as a Village teacher. I began my work here teaching art and now teach reading intervention. Before coming to Village, I taught full-time in grades TK, K, 1, and 4. I’ve taught art from TK through 8th grade, and I even created a company to provide enrichment classes. My husband and I also developed and taught hands-on summer camps centered on historical themes. In addition, the Sobrato Foundation hired me to develop and teach art classes that support early literacy as part of their S.E.A.L. grant.

Currently, I teach reading intervention at both Village and Lynhaven Schools.

I love teaching, but I’m also a lifelong learner. I’m always curious—whether I’m exploring museums, taking classes, or discovering something new in everyday life. Recently, my professional learning has focused on reading instruction and the use of AI in education. In my spare time, I enjoy drawing and painting, visiting all kinds of museums, and traveling with my family.