Education

Empowering individuals through quality education and transformative learning experiences is at the core of what we do.

At US-ITE, we strive to enhance personal and professional growth while fostering active citizenship and socioeconomic development.

Our vision is to create a society where every individual can reach their full potential and make a positive impact on their community.

Our Team

Meet Our Experts

Mara Vaughn
Ph.D.

Dr. Mara Joselí Queiroz Vaughn is a Brazilian-American professor from Aracaju, Brazil. She holds a Doctorate in Spanish and a Master’s in Romance Languages from Texas Tech University, as well as a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Texas at Dallas and a double Bachelor’s in Psychology and Spanish.

Currently, she teaches at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she directs the U.S. Citizenship Preparation Program, providing civics education, legal support, ESL classes, and career readiness for Central Texas residents. Her research interests include human rights, immigration, and bilingual education, and she has presented at international conferences.

Dr. Queiroz Vaughn is the founding president of the U.S. Institute of Transformation Through Education and serves as a National Immigration Board Member for LULAC. She was the first Brazilian-born elected LULAC Council President and is one of the first eight USCIS Citizenship Ambassadors appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration, serving until September 2024.

Rosa M. Barrett
M.A., M.Ed.

I was born in Mexico and pursued my undergraduate and graduate studies in the United States, earning a Master’s in Modern Languages from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD).

With over 13 years of experience teaching Spanish at various universities across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I am passionate about Education as a tool for empowerment and social mobility. I have participated in ESL courses for the community and volunteered my time teaching in local churches.

I am actively involved in civic engagement and community service. I volunteer with programs that support individuals experiencing homelessness and collaborate with the citizenship preparation program at UNTDallas. Additionally, I serve as Vice President of Women’s Affairs for a local LULAC council in Dallas, where I advocate for Education, leadership, and equity.

I am enrolled in an online program to earn my doctorate in Education.

As an educator and community advocate, I strive to be a living example of how Education can transform lives and create opportunities for underserved communities.

Dr. Manuel Benzvi

Manuel R. Benzvi is an experienced educator and multilingual specialist with over 15 years of teaching across a range of academic levels, from elementary school to graduate programs. His career has spanned multiple countries, giving him a global perspective that informs his engaging and inclusive teaching style.

Currently, he serves as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Languages, Linguistics & Rhetoric at the University of North Texas at Dallas. In addition to his academic work, Benzvi is deeply committed to civic engagement and community empowerment. He works closely with green card holders to help them prepare for the U.S. civics test and successfully complete their N-400 naturalization interviews.

Mrs. Lorena Sanchez

Dr. Sarah Johnson, Dean of Academic Affairs, brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership, ensuring academic excellence at US-ITE.

Mr. Roger Romero

Ms. Maria Rodriguez, Head of Career Services, is committed to guiding students towards successful career paths and opportunities through mentoring and support services.