Maria Succi-Hempstead has taught Italian language at all levels in Italy, England and the U.S. At Smith College since 2006, she has been exploring methodologies in second-language pedagogy and acquisition and has developed teaching materials and resources for her students. She is particularly interested in researching and using new technologies as tools to engage students in their learning process in and out of the classroom.

At Smith she coordinates all language courses and supervises the department tutors. She also works closely with the teaching fellow to organize conversation sessions and social events for language students.

She directed the Smith Program Abroad in Florence in 2010-11.