SAN RAFAEL, CA, November 06, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Maria Cristina Turienzo González has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

In her teaching career she has been instrumental in developing innovative curricula that reflect the diverse backgrounds of her students, fostering a sense of joy for learning and igniting a passion for reading among young learners. Dr. Turienzo's commitment to student well-being is evident in her advocacy for mental health awareness within educational settings, emphasizing the importance of supporting students' emotional and psychological needs.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Turienzo taught incarcerated students at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, through Mount Tamalpais College from 2022 to 2023. Finding the experience both enriching and transformative, she provided educational opportunities to individuals often overlooked by traditional systems. Her dedication to equity and access in education was further demonstrated during her role as a University Supervisor for the San Francisco Urban Teacher Residency Program from 2018 to 2021, where she mentored aspiring educators from Stanford University, University of San Francisco and New York University.

From 2017 to 2019, Dr. Turienzo held the position of professor at San Francisco State University. There, she taught Spanish to bilingual educators and Speech and Language therapists. She participated in initiatives such as Spanish Bilingual Educators for Social Transformation. Her earlier work as an elementary and middle school Spanish bilingual teacher spanned several districts, including Oakland, Mountain View, San Francisco and Berkeley, from 2004 to 2016. During this period, she was recognized as a model teacher for 16 schools in Oakland, reflecting her leadership and expertise in bilingual education.

Dr. Turienzo began her career in Spain in 1996 as a teacher of Spanish literature, English, Latin and Greek. Her early experiences laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to multicultural education and language instruction.

In addition to her primary teaching roles, Dr. Turienzo has contributed significantly as a school translator for the San Francisco and Oakland Unified School Districts. She coordinated the English Learner Advisory Committee and served as a member of the Language, Equity and Educational Policy group at Stanford University.

As a Spanish reviewer for SRA-McGraw-Hill Educational Publisher, Dr. Turienzo ensured high-quality educational materials reached classrooms nationwide. She has also reviewed materials for the Language Proficiency Assessment Directorate at The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, Presidio of Monterey, California.

Beyond her extensive teaching and leadership experience, Dr. Turienzo maintains active involvement in professional organizations that advance the fields of language education and research. Her affiliations include membership in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the California Association for Bilingual Education and the American Educational Research Association.

Dr. Turienzo academic achievements are extensive. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Barcelona in 2017 after completing three master's degrees: a Master's degree in teaching Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Barcelona in 2012; a Master's degree in Multicultural Mediation from the University of Barcelona in 2010; and a Master's degree in Pedagogy from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1998. Dr. Turienzo also holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Literature and Language from UNED, awarded in 1997.

For her doctoral thesis, Dr. Turienzo addressed the need for inclusive materials representing all twenty-one Spanish-speaking countries, a project conducted collaboratively with students, families and colleagues that received international recognition from Stanford University. Both her master's thesis on high school students in Barcelona and her doctoral research on elementary students in San Francisco have had practical applications across educational settings.

Complementing her professional responsibilities, Dr. Turienzo is deeply involved in civic life. She volunteers with organizations such as the San Francisco Marin Food Bank, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco and California Coalition for Women Prisoners, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to community service.

As an author, she published a picture book in 2009, two short stories in 2020 and a poetry book in 2022, each reflecting her creative engagement with language and storytelling.

A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Dr. Turienzo leads the LGBTQ+ Club at her school and actively participates in related organizations throughout San Rafael, Berkeley and San Francisco. She regularly attends workshops for queer scholars, both as an educator and an activist, striving to provide youth with relatable role models who embrace their identities without shame.

Central to Dr. Turienzo philosophy is a deep commitment to equity in all aspects of education and community engagement. She believes that meaningful progress is only possible when equity serves as the foundation for every initiative. Drawing on her extensive experience in the field, she emphasizes that utilizing an equity perspective increases the likelihood that their work and impact will be meaningful and successful.

Born in León, Spain, Dr. Turienzo enjoys hiking, playing piano, dancing, and photography outside of her professional life. She also looks forward to expanding her writing portfolio with support from an interested publisher, while developing collaborative programs among the Spanish team at her school. Her vision includes establishing initiatives that will benefit future teachers and leave a lasting impact on student communities.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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