https://www.cristiduran.me/selectedworks daily 1.0 2026-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/3e864317-47e1-41f6-8feb-c1f2cb7f844a/Pathways+and+Strategies+for+Transitioning+from+Montessori+to+Middle+School+and+Beyond.png Cristina Benitez Project: Publication; research and learning design on mitigating educational transition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/79bd1783-ade4-4d76-aeae-fc145352351f/Aiming+for+Tensegrity_2.png Cristina Benitez Project: Aiming for Tensegrity in Design: A Synthesis on what is a "good" education in a "wicked" system? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617779296056-HYE1N7IZO1UPE6WE9JKQ/MontessoriWoods.jpg Cristina Benitez Photo: class retreat with my son; I am inspired by Montessori's emphasis on sensorial and holistic learning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/5048f56e-9d76-45aa-84fa-dc2369dff6d7/TBR.png Cristina Benitez Project: Publication; research and writing collab on higher ed transformations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/2486e49b-3753-4a00-b85e-39cd030203e3/EESretreat.jpg Cristina Benitez Photo: program retreat design; building a sense of community https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617645593054-YJ1POQGL32ICVHZR3K1V/silabario.jpg Cristina Benitez Project: Educational Technology, Language Justice and Sai i Putum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1620175317748-8XRV8YHFXQI1PRQMTQXE/Screen%252BShot%252B2021-04-06%252Bat%252B4.45.01%252BPM.jpg Cristina Benitez Projects: EdTech Graduate Assistantship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1620066956083-2HSHBT442FC8B42ZRVHC/14+Study+Design%2C+Step+1.png Cristina Benitez Project: Pecha Kucha on Empowering Student Voices in Learning Data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617812220983-XPA54F1ATLU8S4ZOHXH8/Smithsonian1.jpg Cristina Benitez Photo: diversity council field trip to Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/e8ea6bc3-1381-4efa-9633-e55156192e32/Rocketpitch2.JPG Cristina Benitez Photo: Collab Design for inclusive remote learning, Rocket Pitch Competition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/0cdcb092-311f-433f-9a66-2f7a75c0a73f/Decentering+Whiteness+in+the+Classroom%2C+A+Mini+Booklet+for+Higher+Ed+Instructors+and+leaders%2C+1.png Cristina Benitez Project: an introductory guide to culturally sustaining and anti-racist approaches to teaching and learning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/e4727197-ef7b-4790-abdd-8e5af84a35ca/%40pandemichomelearning.png Cristina Benitez Project: What is "good" education during a global crisis? A Montessori-inspired Learning Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/ce8d3555-63b8-4d21-b0a6-68006f12e466/Embodied+Cognition+Manipulative.jpeg Cristina Benitez Project: Affordances Embodied Cognition Theory for Learning Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617780351164-JL71WGPIWGSQKX4PQLUK/1.%2BInattentive%2Band%2Bnon-participatory%2B2.%2BAttentive%252C%2Bbut%2Bnot%2Bcontributing%2B3.%2BAttentive%252C%2Bcontributing%2Bwith%2Bguidance%2Bof%2Badult%2B4.%2BAttentive%252C%2Bcontributing%2Bcreatively%2Bwith%2Bguidance%2B5.%2BAttentive%252C%2Bcontributing%2Bcreatively%2Bwith.jpg Cristina Benitez Projects: Graphic Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1616216639194-5A3STB6CYJMRY3YHMWFV/Cristina%2BBenitez.jpg Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617734252445-52WR7RBUNSPTIIU99S5R/abuelita.jpg Cristina Benitez My Abuelita in her garden. She lives in the coastal town where I was born, Intipuca, El Salvador. Photo Credit: Family photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617708185826-7GLMMXUP1ORHZWQ2KLSZ/family.JPG Cristina Benitez My husband and our Montessori kids are my source of light and joy. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617704813993-MMI3SN2I5HO0AHCIWQOJ/wash%2Bmonument.jpg Cristina Benitez My identity and lived experiences. I identify as Latinx and am proud of my indigenous roots. I took this photo at the Native Nations Rise March. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617704598751-DDJI7VJCQKJ3QRV6BOB7/Hispanics%2C+the+new+Italians+%282015%29+Rosalia+Torres+Weiner.jpeg Cristina Benitez My hometown of Washington, D.C. “Latinos, the next Italians” Mural by Rosalia Torres Weiner. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617708690173-TK60BF2KVWQI71255TML/ABAR%2BTraining.jpg Cristina Benitez My community. I have served on nonprofit boards advancing social justice and education. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617708746129-2LL8T20KK4E1XS2OIDAH/HoyaSaxa.jpg Cristina Benitez My higher ed colleagues, students and classmates are immensely inspiring. Photo credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617702641706-YHVTLI85MU1PD0RZJMSQ/Cristina+Benitez%2C+T.png Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617752217846-1D1IKZRQ3C0Z80ZENZOF/Sandchess.jpg Cristina Benitez Chess in shifting sands. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617752061612-0BC7QHB13VPKAMYCGG0D/succulents.JPG Cristina Benitez Flourishing succulents in sandy and rocky soil. Photo credits: Cristina Benitez https://www.cristiduran.me/contact daily 0.75 2021-04-07 https://www.cristiduran.me/about daily 0.75 2022-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617762897133-5NQGNGVVEAV5787E9YN4/Intipuca.jpg About My birth town, Intipucá, El Salvador. Every visit offers new inspiration. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617763870491-4IMDJ22UCURJGKNHP9YT/49133746058_52537f9287_o.jpg About LDT reflection on my learning journey and my personal orientations from the first week of the program. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617765801699-FINNX6CJGYE56WG1MR4B/kids%2C+bridge.jpg About My children are a continual source of light, joy and inspiration. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617808043919-FOC51BISL08RWCF3W3PT/EEStreatday.jpg About Engaging with students is an inspiration. Snapshot of an event designed to foster engagement and education through the senses by exploring food traditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617765579476-RIYON2HKOJ8BPJ4ERTOJ/NoHate.jpg About Resisting hate requires immense love. Photo credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617762774364-DDMXLOBN1LXMPHHPQ38K/me3.png About Cristina Benitez, Selfie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617763423221-NU00RMC2H2S4Q8T6TFBE/16303451135_29eec905bb_o.jpg About Montessori is an inspiration. Photo credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617764559288-CAI3T1O24PJ71QCOBYMU/Cisneros.jpg About Meeting an inspiration, Author Sandra Cisneros. Photo credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617762949520-5WPKYCGXOR587CYIHBZ2/Classmates.jpg About Hanging out with my Georgetown LDT classmates after class (pre-pandemic). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617765472578-T3S7H6E1WD0KO6330QJF/Halolens.jpg About Exploring Education Technologies; Halolens. Photo credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617808479051-UYF9VCQKX8TNJYXDPSU5/Kayaking.jpg About In my happy place. Water is life. Photo credit: Cristina Benitez https://www.cristiduran.me/montessoriguide daily 0.75 2021-05-01 https://www.cristiduran.me/aiming-for-tensegrity-in-design daily 0.75 2021-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617641384128-NA5T8DFD8XT6CLPCNXW0/3.jpg Aiming for Tensegrity in Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/e974b3c0-b8ce-4a08-8dc2-db4abc2317fa/Tensegrity+Toy.jpg Aiming for Tensegrity in Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617807508400-O96BCM1CMRDIQCZ6KYZM/Tensegrity.png Aiming for Tensegrity in Design https://www.cristiduran.me/pandemic-learning daily 0.75 2021-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617777490783-C3GUAJ9WN56EJO53SFQ2/Montessori-Inspired%2Bat%2BHome%2BLesson%2BPlan%2Bfor%2Ba%2BPandemic.jpg Pandemic Learning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617777989016-KX8JKLEKUCPJ3YIUSF0O/Montesorri+Inspired+at+Home+Lessons.png Pandemic Learning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617808729456-OPZHNOZUHLLBH1GNYEY9/Design+Build+Challenge%2C+Escape+Room.png Pandemic Learning Design challenge: An escape room! https://www.cristiduran.me/embodiedcognition daily 0.75 2021-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617824630897-MIBQSRLFN2F88ZRASJDW/Embodied+Cognition+Manipulative.jpeg Embodied Cognition Didactic Learning Aid, Functional Areas of the Brain. Laser Cut Wood. 22cm x 28cm (8in x 11in). Design and photo credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/d0ac860b-808d-4169-9c6b-2527122a345a/Embodied+Cognition.png Embodied Cognition Didactic Learning Aid, Functional Areas of the Brain inset with thread representing neural connectivity. Laser cut Wood. 22cm x 28cm (8in x 11in). Design and photo credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617809816560-W4Y17NS0GUQME3O3VTB2/Embodied+Cognition%2C+Study+Artifact.png Embodied Cognition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617809303337-CFXMZVI2RBWBI21LU8MW/Holistic+Learning+Design.png Embodied Cognition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617809539333-YRSH0ANG00BWI6ARYKO4/EmbodiedCognition.png Embodied Cognition Click to hear and see a Voicethread presentation (10m) https://www.cristiduran.me/the-big-rethink daily 0.75 2021-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617813465779-HRWX6GFSHGKUYJ3RC2GD/TBR+cover.png The Big Rethink https://www.cristiduran.me/decenteringwhiteness daily 0.75 2021-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619640457438-44WTDINJC13JV8J917TV/DecenteringWhiteness.png Decentering Whiteness Click images to access the mini digital booklet. Preview of Contents: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619643802340-DIF6OTWIC54BI0DI1E50/EmbodiedCognition.png Decentering Whiteness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619644068776-3W4T8QX74LZ84E1XUW21/TraumaInformed.png Decentering Whiteness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619643995494-20OPT0ZGLZVBZMQXX2BO/DataJustice.png Decentering Whiteness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619644031334-DIVFWU3TC0KJPO5ZY8YV/EncodedTech.png Decentering Whiteness https://www.cristiduran.me/ldt-reflection daily 0.75 2021-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617824630897-MIBQSRLFN2F88ZRASJDW/Embodied+Cognition+Manipulative.jpeg LDT Reflection Getting meta about embodied cognition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619640457438-44WTDINJC13JV8J917TV/DecenteringWhiteness.png LDT Reflection A mini booklet of nudges towards decentering whiteness in the classroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619929176834-4ZYMYMPMIY1RMSONKBVM/UniversityasDesignProblemclass.png LDT Reflection LDES 503 University as a Design Problem https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619929254497-0RNQG66W5LEZT7WJEUX5/socialjusticeclass.jpg LDT Reflection LDES 705 Designing for Social Justice https://www.cristiduran.me/nlc daily 0.75 2021-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619663760601-WSLMA1ELKJ4TGY0EF0F2/NLC+Moreno+Community+Conversation.png NLC I did the video editing and captioning for the NLC Community Conversation Series, which included a talk with Prof Jose Moreno on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion with professional learning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619662909122-HVR4JCC3NVN994181CON/NLC+Website.png NLC I researched and put together a NLC Resources Compilation for the NLC webpage which includes resources shared by Prof. Adrianna Kezar on engaging adjunct and contingent faculty in professional learning. https://www.cristiduran.me/graphic-design daily 0.75 2021-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/eda2dec7-0f62-4dc0-9c16-38fd4e2fd87e/Screen+Shot+2021-04-06+at+2.30.13+AM.png Graphic Design Sample Work: Design of annual reports (2010-17) for a small cooperative Montessori school in Washington, DC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619670314536-AAP0TIGMK420H5A8OBJO/JMB+Contractors+LLC.png Graphic Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/b112bf87-8cf7-44c7-973c-a1676124a067/University+as+a+Design+Problem.png Graphic Design - Sample Work: Graphic Design of a Learning Journey for a graduate course learning design assignment on systems thinking and higher education. Sample Work: Graphic Design of a learning journey depicting learning frameworks and sequence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617780351164-JL71WGPIWGSQKX4PQLUK/1.%2BInattentive%2Band%2Bnon-participatory%2B2.%2BAttentive%252C%2Bbut%2Bnot%2Bcontributing%2B3.%2BAttentive%252C%2Bcontributing%2Bwith%2Bguidance%2Bof%2Badult%2B4.%2BAttentive%252C%2Bcontributing%2Bcreatively%2Bwith%2Bguidance%2B5.%2BAttentive%252C%2Bcontributing%2Bcreatively%2Bwith.jpg Graphic Design Sample work: Working with Montessori experts, I designed graphics for a qualitative research report published by The Center for Children and Theology. https://www.cristiduran.me/language-justice-and-sai-i-putum daily 0.75 2021-05-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619814236591-9P4EXD39H4OR23AZUGAD/Supplies.jpeg Language Justice and Sai i Putum: A Creative Annotation Tech tools and supplies: acrylic paint, brushes, genial.ly, pencil, sketchpad, iphone, TikTok, iMovie app, unsplash.com, wevideo, coffee! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619814087811-AF4LBNU9WK4FOKLFX8GE/Creativity+in+Process.png Language Justice and Sai i Putum: A Creative Annotation Joy and cognitive flow in the creative process fosters meaningful learning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1619814451591-W0Z17IUD8Z015CV2TTLG/Work+of+Alan+R.+King.png Language Justice and Sai i Putum: A Creative Annotation This project was inspired by the language justice activism and research of Linguist Alan R. King aimed at revitalizing the indigenous languages of El Salvador. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1620671180134-WSVKMUBPLOMHAYUE9DYI/Sai+i+Putum.png Language Justice and Sai i Putum: A Creative Annotation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.cristiduran.me/empowering-student-voices daily 0.75 2021-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1620066956083-2HSHBT442FC8B42ZRVHC/14+Study+Design%2C+Step+1.png Empowering Student Voices in Learning Data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1620067007466-7T9ATTKTV9I9LUGFHXUC/15+Study+Design%2C+Step+2.png Empowering Student Voices in Learning Data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1620066784121-OX5SYN1WEGNZQ88F6YJ3/3+Institutional+Responsibility%2C+books.png Empowering Student Voices in Learning Data https://www.cristiduran.me/internships daily 0.75 2022-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/6854eb94-b4f2-463b-924e-57d7cd6a2f63/Screen+Shot+2022-03-05+at+2.40.19+AM.png Making the Most of Your Internship In DC - Make it stand out More about me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/dba862f0-1305-497d-8a49-a08292b88de1/Screen+Shot+2022-03-05+at+2.29.33+AM.png Making the Most of Your Internship In DC - Make it stand out The African American Heritage Trail, Washington, DC book contains 98 significant African American historic sites in the nation's capital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617638285884-XE6807GTO0F2XPNOJNMX/wash+monument.jpeg Making the Most of Your Internship In DC - Make it stand out Image of the Washington Monument with teepees in the foreground during the Native Nations March in 2017. Photo Credit: Cristina Benitez https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/927787f8-f0aa-40cb-8078-b8748d7b107a/Screen+Shot+2022-03-05+at+1.57.15+AM.png Making the Most of Your Internship In DC - Make it stand out Developed by scholar at GWU, a self-guided tour mobile app of indigenous DC offers 17 sites. The indigenous identity of the city is all around us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1617704598751-DDJI7VJCQKJ3QRV6BOB7/Hispanics%2C+the+new+Italians+%282015%29+Rosalia+Torres+Weiner.jpeg Making the Most of Your Internship In DC Image of a colorful mural by Rosalia Torres-Weiner at the Smithsonian Community Museum, located in Anacostia, that evokes DC as a gateway city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60556f8ec59b4c1ffe94297f/1620066879077-X5R7GLSV8K4HMV0C0BLH/12.+Aligning+theory+with+practice.jpg Making the Most of Your Internship In DC Image of cacti with sign that reads “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”