Music that Describes Valerie
Valerie Martinez was nominated by her superintendent, Sharon McKinney.
Here is Mrs. Martinez under the hot sun painting the Farley boat in an effort to support the upcoming Port Aransas Education Foundation fundraising event. Locally, this is a very iconic boat. This is no small request and a sign of deep respect from a critical supporter of her district. Her colors and design both are vibrant, much like her personality.
Mrs. Martinez teaches middle school students, Art 1-4 and Advanced Placement Studio Art. She also leads a small cohort of students to the Texas VASE competition, as well, which is no small task given the size of her school. She goes toe to toe with the best that Texas has to offer.
As an educator, Mrs. Martinez demands the best from her students, regardless of age and ability. She pushes with an even hand; she pulls with exceptionally well-crafted curricula and portfolio-based assessments. Her classrooms exemplify student engagement.
In her classroom, Mrs. Martinez employs a wide range of best practices. Drawing bootcamp. Sound, thoughtful integration of technology. Peer to peer feedback and student-led instruction. Modeling. Precise, teacher-led feedback in written and oral form. Multidisciplinary --- from Adobe Photoshop and graphic design to sculpture and painting to sketch and water colors. There is never a class when her students are not engaged.
Mrs. Martinez is as gentle as she is a relentlessly honest, morally grounded person. In her community, she leads the way in this expectation. Her greatest attribute, however, is her ability to connect with her students and colleagues alike. Mrs. Martinez is honest and open and embraces the idea that vulnerability is both a sign of security and evidence of a deep reserve of strength. Her students are drawn to her as a teacher and an adult who will keep them safe and allow them to flourish. She changes the course of students’ thinking and how they view the world around them. Colleagues are drawn to her because of her positive attitude, passion, enthusiasm, expertise, and genuine concern for others.
When she's not teaching art, Mrs. Martinez is the senior class faculty advisor. She is affectionately known as the seniors’ "mother hen," hovering over and tending to every palpitation of their needs, while never losing sight of the community’s expectations of their graduates.
"We often hear from the seniors how she is a constant source of encouragement and accountability as they finish their time in high school," said McKinney.
When Mrs. Martinez holds court, people pay attention. Not out of fear, but out of respect. She spearheaded the PAISD mentoring program, which has become a centerpiece in her district's efforts to support students in their development, not only while they're in middle school, but as they're transitioning between middle school and high school. This program runs throughout the school year, with Mrs. Martinez providing guidance and training throughout. This endeavor is time-consuming, yet she does it out of love for her students and a strong belief that it benefits both parties in the mentoring relationship.
Mrs. Martinez also contributes to community initiatives, like the Port Aranasas Education Foundation fundraising event. She recently helped put the finishing touches on the centerpiece for her district's successful one book, one school initiative. In a small-ish district, over 500 members were present to kick off this community event. Her tree was hung for the entire Marlin family to see. Her creation was warm, welcoming and clever, much like her personality and teaching. Mrs. Martinez was there, too, front and center surrounded by laughter with her own kids intermingling with her other kids --- her students --- and colleagues.
Additionally, Mrs. Martinez works with the entire high school identifying "listeners" --- students who are viewed as natural leaders for the Natural Helpers group. This is a learning opportunity for students and teachers throughout the year. The program’s central mission is to improve the climate and culture of the school, keeping the students safe, healthy and engaged. The Natural Helpers program provides training to students who have been identified as “listeners” by their peers and school staff. These trained helpers learn to respond effectively when their fellow students experience a wide range of difficulties, and they receive valuable coaching in connecting vulnerable peers to appropriate resources. This program includes an intensive weekend retreat, which Mrs. Martinez coordinates. This program was a first at PAISD thanks to Mrs. Martinez, who brought it with her all the way from Illinois. She brought lots of things with her, but this particular program and her dedication to it speaks to her special contributions to the climate and culture of her school.
"Valerie Martinez consistently and innovatively contributes to a positive, supportive learning atmosphere in our schools," said McKinney. "She is an asset to our team. You will not find a more powerful person who embraces the ethos of being a LifeChanger. She is that and much more to all members of our community."
Valerie Martinez is the type of educator that you aspire to be like. She always has a sunny disposition which is contagious to both students and colleagues. I particularly enjoy working with her as she organizes the annual GT museum. She has a special talent for including everyone so each grade level can shine. We are truly fortunate to have her as a Marlin!
My daughter was in Valerie’s class last year and had to work very hard to rearrange her schedule this year to be able to be in her class. She loves being in her class and enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the Natural Helpers this fall. Valerie is so committed to her students, not only academically but also as a person. This year, I have been able to work alongside her for the first time and she has been so welcoming and encouraging.
Mrs. Martinez has been a great team player for PAISD and Port Aransas High School. My children did not have her for art but my daughter was in the natural helpers program that Mrs. Martinez sponsors. She spends a great deal of her own personal time to do extra with the students at the High School. She also comes to support our athletic teams even though she doesn't have a child on the team (yet). She has a great smile, and really knows how to pull some great artwork out of some talented kiddos.
I know Mrs. Martinez as a parent. I had her son in my class last year and could see through her child he came from a home with amazing parents. His artistic talents and background knowledge on so many topics were true signs of what he's learned from his mom. From that experience, I can see how fortunate her students are to learn from her on a daily basis. Mrs. Martinez is an inspiration to all!
Valerie is a dedicated teacher and wants the best for her students. Seeing the students' artwork is amazing and she is able to bring their creation to canvas or other medium chosen by the students. I imagine her own artwork is amazing as well. I am glad I had the pleasure of working with her.
Mrs. Martinez is absolutely amazing. She is committed to helping students grow as individuals and learn from each other. She wants to see every student find their passion and develop a drive to take that passion into the future. Her positive attitude is contagious. Mrs. Martinez is a shining star in our community.
Valerie is always smiling, and that makes a positive impact on everybody who interacts with her. Her after-school program "Natural helpers" is making a difference in the lives of our students, even in the lives of some teachers, like me. We are really blessed to have Valerie in our School.
The work you do for the natural helpers retreat is amazing. I know you put so much time and effort into that program. I am so glad you introduced it to our school. It was a great experience for me and I know the kids gained so much from it. I also know the AP art program is beneficial for those students who love art. What a great opportunity for those kids. Keep up the good work we all love it.
Valerie is a precious faculty member. She bonds with students and is a great motivator. She is a welcoming and trusted coworker for the staff as well. Our district is so lucky to have her!
Mrs. Martinez is truly an all-around team player, and mentor/role model. She has not only established, organized, and run a Natural Helpers program here in PAISD, she also is an outstanding educator. She took it upon herself last summer to reinvent the way she teaches art to make her classroom even more differentiated that it already is, as well as get/keep more students involved and engaged in their art projects. She is an inspirational human being, not just educator, and highly deserving of such an honor.
Mrs. Martinez is a true blessing to her students and the staff that works at PAISD. She is always very positive and willing to do the extra things that make our district special.
Everyday I watch Mrs. Martinez’ students walk into her classroom with enthusiasm. Whether it's an art lesson or a lunchtime meeting about future events, her students arrive upbeat and excited. Mrs. Martinez has a wonderful rapport with her students. Evidence of this is shown when previous PAHS graduates frequently stop by and visit Mrs. Martinez. Excited to update her on their experiences in college, Mrs. Martinez takes the time to meet with each one and continues to make them feel special. Mrs. Martinez runs an inclusive classroom. Regardless of ability, Mrs. Martinez builds upon the skill set of her students and encourages personal growth. Valerie is a great asset to Port Aransas.
Valerie is a fantastic educator and friend. She is always promoting Fine Arts in our school and community, but moreover, she helps cultivate a culture of caring and empathy in Port Aransas ISD through her mentoring program and by modeling daily those skills to everyone she meets. She has high expectations of her students in their effort, quality of work and most importantly in their interpersonal skills. Valerie is authentic in her relationships, and because of this, she is able to build lasting, trusting relationships with our kids and they truly believe that she is invested in their lives. We are very lucky to have Valerie!
Mrs. Martinez is a great asset to our Marlin family. She not only expects students to adhere to caring, helping and looking out for each other; she exhibits them on a day to day basis herself. Many students look up to her and go to her when they need help, advice or just someone to listen to. Hands down one of the finest educators I will ever work with. We are blessed to have her at Port Aransas High School, another reason that makes me proud to say "Marlin Pride Runs Deep".
Valerie is great! Since joining us, I've witnessed an unceasing dedication to our students and our schools. She has so much energy and uses it for the betterment of her devotion. I cannot think of a more deserving person for this honor.
Ms. Martinez consistently helps break down barriers to communication by using the arts as a tool to create innovative ways to express thoughts and emotions - the students of course are the beneficiaries of this.
Valerie has this unique ability to connect with students on a deeper level. They know that she is their advocate and they respond to her leadership. Val is an absolute jewel and our faculty is blessed to call her friend.
Valerie is both a great educator and friend. She is always taking on new projects in hope that it will inspire her students to do more. These projects are not limited to her subject area of art. While she is a fantastic artist and a wonderful art teacher, her strong point may be motivating students to find their potential and cultivate an empathy for others. Her Natural Helpers program and mentoring program are just two examples of her tireless efforts to help students. On top of all of these I consider Valerie a close friend. She is always quick witted and never to busy to lend an ear. Valerie is a wonderful person in so many ways and is a "Lifechanger" whether she receives this award or not.
Valerie Martinez—an inspiration to everyone she interacts with. She always has time to listen, share, and teach. Congratulations!
Valerie is an amazing educator, leader and person. Her dedication to her students is an inspiration to us all. On any given day, you can find her working tirelessly for the student st PAHS. Whether it is putting together the mentoring program, painting Farley boats for a community event, inspiring her students with her artwork and vision, or simply listening to a student who needs to talk Valerie can be found doing all of this with a smile. She is a confidence builder and incredibly giving. Port Aransas ISD is so very lucky to have her on their team.
Mrs. Martinez has really helped me step out of my comfort zone and learn that it’s always ok to express what I’m feeling. She is always available and willing to talk to you, no matter how busy she is. She is the kind of person that will drop whatever she is doing in order to make sure you are ok. She is truly a great role model for all of the students at PAHS.
As a student at PAHS who has never officially taken a class by Mrs.Martinez, but still has a relationship with her speaks volumes. I was a staff leader for the 2019 Natural Helpers Retreat led by Mrs.Martinez and saw the complete commitment she has with everything she does. She organized and led our retreat meetings as well as guiding myself and other student staff leaders about how to showcase leadership and develop that skill set. She shares all of life’s moments with us and you always feel you are valued in her eyes due to her warming presence. She is a highly treasured educator in all PAHS student eyes.
Valerie Martinez is an exceptional educator. She has high expectations and standards for her students. As a parent and coworker I have watched her guide students in building confidence, character and compassion. Both of my boys enjoy creating Art, learning about Art and understand the importance of Art.
Mrs. Martinez is such a kind, funny, and passionate teacher. She has such a special bond with all of her students and that’s what I cherish the most about her. She is a teacher that I am comfortable enough go to her with anything. She is such a great part of PAHS and I am so glad I get to surround myself with her everyday!
Mrs. Martinez is an amazing teacher and an overall great person. She has helped me with so many things in life. She guided me along the path of being a leader and taught me how to truly care for others. She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. If any student needs her, she will be there in a heartbeat. I feel so lucky that I have gotten to spend three years with Mrs. Martinez as my teacher. She is an amazing role model to me and I aspire to be as selfless and caring as her. Mrs. Martinez is more than a teacher, she really connects with her students and makes an effort to be one of our friends and someone we can always talk to.
Valerie is an amazing teacher. She is positive and upbeat. She also goes above and beyond with a peer mentor program. I'm so glad she's a part of our district.
What a great sense of humor Valerie has. This trickles down into everything she touches. She is real, enthusiastic about life, fun to be around, and gifted in what she teaches. I feel very thankful that my daughter, Wynne, has had the opportunity to do art with her all of these years. Valerie has taken her to new heights in the world of art. She makes our High School in Port Aransas a notch above all others with her passion and expertise. Aside from her artistic talents, Valerie has proven to successfully lead our children through The Natural Helpers Retreat, for a weekend of reflection, fun, and some good soul searching. Valerie is the kind of person that I want my own children to be around and to have as a role model in their lives. She is an inspiration to all.
Valerie,
You are an amazing person. I appreciate your willingness to take on any job and take it to excellence. You have truly made a huge difference for the students as well as the staff here at PAISD.
Not only is Valerie Martinez an exceptional educator, but also a stellar co-worker! She brightens everyone's day around her. Always willing to help out where needed and volunteer her talents for the good of the student's in Port Aransas! PAISD is blessed to have her!
With Valerie´s optimism comes happiness; with that being said, one word that I can use to describe this sweet, positive person, is that she lives with venturesomeness! Although we work on different campuses, she always lights up a room with her smile and friendliness.
Mrs. Martinez has been an amazing hire since she was brought on a few years ago. She has turned our Art program into something that kids really want to be a part of. She is beloved by staff and students alike. She is always willing to lend a hand in whatever capacity is needed. She has been the catalyst for so many different initiatives on the PAHS campus and PAISD district. She has made our school district better in so many ways, and we are truly thankful for her.
I am thrilled to see Valarie Martinez being nominated for this wonderful honor! She is an inspiration to students, staff, and community members alike. Our school and community are better because of her selfless service to others. Thank you Valarie, for the countless things you do each day.
Valerie is such a positive light on our campuses. She shares her energetic smile and positive attitude in everything she does. She helped create a Marlin Museum to showcase student work and accomplishments throughout the district. It's a big event and is one more way she gives of her time and talent to benefit PAISD. We love Mrs. Martinez!
PAHS is soooo lucky to have you as a teacher! You are Awesome!
In the four years Mrs. Martinez has been at Port Aransas High School (PAHS), she has brought AP Art courses, the high school:middle school Mentoring Marlins program, the Natural Helpers program (a retreat for which as I type this she is away from her own children to guide my child and a few dozen others through an impactful weekend of learning how to be a trusted peer and helpful human), VASE Art entries, and many other positive, life changing events to our students. Valerie seeks out resources through programs and grants to enable so many enriching opportunities for PAHS students. She has collaborated beautifully with other teachers to bring galleries, maker spaces, and leadership programs to life on our campuses. My oldest graduated from PAHS in May and had many wonderful relationships with faculty members, but chose to receive her diploma on graduation night from Mrs. Martinez who was, and remains, an amazing influence and awesome mentor in her life. I cannot imagine a teacher more selfless, loving, life-changing, and deserving of this award than Valerie Martinez.
Thank you Ms. Martinez for your great work with our children and all the effort you do for our school.
One word describes Valerie Martinez...Selfless! She is a devoted teacher who brightens the day of every student, teacher and parent she encounters!
Valerie has been an incredible mentor and inspiration to me for the past few years as I began teaching art for the first time. She was also an amazing teacher and role model to my daughter who recently graduated. I’m so happy to see she’s nominated for this award.
Mrs. Martinez is that rare marriage between exceptional teacher/professional and exceptional person/colleague/mentor. Her greatest gift --- and there are many --- is her ability to make people --- student and colleague alike --- simply want to be better. In all ways. We are so grateful to her and all she does for the Port Aransas Independent School District.
Mrs. Martinez is a teacher that you wish you could clone. She is a team player in every sense of the word, a problem solver instead of a complainer. Every student, whether taking art or not, loves and appreciates her. She is a bright light at PAISD!
Mrs. Martinez goes soooooo far above and beyond for our kids. She takes a personal interest in their whole lives, not just the "student" lives. She is creating that all important foundation that is needed in making wonderful adults. Any student she contacts is going to be better at life. She reaches far beyond her classroom ... all the students at PAHS are her kids. I am grateful that our district has her and that my child has someone to trust and confide in whenever they need it.
Val has been a tremendous help to me this year as I began teaching art at the middle school. Her ideas and positive attitude are an inspiration.
