Maria J. Gross, EdD
Director of Clinical Experiences and Assistant Professor, Division of Teacher Education
Phone: (626) 815-5074
Email: mgross@apu.edu
Office Location: Building One, Room 113K

Biography
Maria J. Gross, Ed.D., discovered her passion for education while volunteering in an elementary classroom, guiding students to embrace STEM concepts through project-based learning. She earned her master’s degree and certificate while teaching math and science full-time in a Christian middle and high school. She served as K-12 math and science department head, taught engineering and math in community college, and math methods at the University of Washington. Her current research focuses on educating pre-service and in-service teachers to better support culturally diverse student populations through trauma-informed practices, literature, service learning, and collaborative clinical practice models. She previously served on AACTE’s Global Diversity Committee. She is passionate about supporting and promoting non-traditional pathways for teacher candidates. She is published in the Community College Journal of Research and Practice and in Digital Commons.
Education
- EdD, Educational Leadership, University of Washington
- MA, Teaching, Ashford University
- BS, Chemical Engineering, Purdue University
Credentials/Certifications
- State of Washington Lifetime Substitute Certificate
- State of Washington Residency Teacher Certificate: Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Mathematics Endorsements
Academic Area
- School of Education
- Division of Teacher Education
Expertise
- Common Core State Standards
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Methods
- Smarter Balanced Assessment
- STEM Education
- Trauma-informed Teaching Practices
Courses Taught
- TESP 501 - The Art of Teaching I: Foundations of Teaching
- TESP 502 - Science of Teaching 1: How Students Learn: Educational Psychology, Neuroscience, and Theory
- TESP 503 - Soul of Teaching: Tapestry of American Education
- TESP 504 - Schools and Educational Systems
- TESP 512 – The Science of Teaching II: Effective Assessment Strategies for ALL Learners
- TEP 522 - Methods of Teaching Mathematics (K-8)
- TEP 533 – The Differentiated Classroom: Maximizing Capacity of Each Learner Grades 7-12
- TEP 534 - Secondary Pedagogy 2: Content-Specific Strategies, Teaching, and Assessment Experiences
- TEP 561 - Clinical Practice 1
- TEP 562 - Clinical Practice 2
Office Hours
Various depending upon session. Please email to set appointment.