About
Maria Hantzopoulos is a Professor of Education and Coordinator of Secondary Teacher Education at Vassar College since 2009. She holds a BA from Boston University (History), an MA in Social Studies Education, and a PhD in International Educational Development (specializing in peace education) from Columbia University. Her work focuses on peace education, human rights, migration, and urban educational reform.
Education:
- BA in History, Boston University
- MA in Social Studies Education, Teachers College, Columbia University
- PhD in International Educational Development, Teachers College, Columbia University
Research Interests: Dr. Hantzopoulos prioritizes peace pedagogy, human rights education, and addressing systemic inequities in urban schools. She designs curricula that engage students in global issues, such as migration’s economic impact and human rights advocacy, exemplified by her collaboration with Poughkeepsie High School students to develop a human rights curriculum. Her work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing participatory methods and restorative justice.
Literature Trends: Her 15 most recent articles (2013–2024) explore peace education frameworks, human rights implementation in schools, migration’s role in pedagogy, and restorative justice. Recent work highlights participatory approaches (e.g., 'Possibility Trees') and pandemic-era humanizing teaching strategies.
Advising & Partnerships: She advises students on transformative projects, such as the 'Our Lives, Our World' initiative, which created free curricula for educators. Her collaborations with public schools emphasize equity, as seen in the PHS partnership and Fairness Committee restorative justice model.
Labs/Teams: Her work is anchored in Vassar’s Education Department and extends through community partnerships like the PHS collaboration, fostering student-led initiatives in marginalized communities.
