Ms. Martinez: Teaching equity and excellence
Viviana Martinez is a Teach for America alum noted for her advocacy for non-native speakers. MAILE CANTIBEROS/THE WILDCAT
By Maile Cantiberos
Staff Writer
Viviana Martinez teaches English Language Arts at Konawaena High School, where she has been part of the faculty for nine years. Martinez is an alum of Teach for America, a national organization whose goal is to strengthen educational equity and excellence. In her Kona classroom, Martinez strives to help her students grow into young adults who know they have a bright future ahead of them.
"I think I have the opportunity to not just be their English teacher but to influence how they see themselves and how they see the world,” Martinez said. “I feel very lucky to have gained the trust of some of my students, and hopefully have a positive influence on them.”
Martinez received a Wildcat Administration Award this year from Konawaena Vice Principal Momi Kaehuaea. The honor meant more to her than her master's degree diploma, Martinez said, despite her pride in that educational achievement.
"Being at Konawaena, I really do feel like my co-workers and my administrators see my work. It meant a whole lot to me, too, because I care so much for this community,” she said.
"Just knowing that this is my home base for work, my home base from my life, and hopefully a home base for my family to be seen, accepted, and appreciated... it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world," Martinez said.
Karina Hernandez, who also teaches English at Konawaena High School, said: "I got to this school with Martinez through Teach for America and I know for sure Martinez is driven to make a difference and impact students' lives, because that was our mission and the program that got us here."
Martinez is a very organized person who values education for the things that it can do for students, Hernandez said, adding: "I would also describe her as a caring person, someone who just wants to do her job very well."
Hernandez credits Martinez for inspiring her in many ways, including through her work as a coordinator for the English Language Learners program: "She has inspired me to continue fighting for the drive and the motivation. She believes every student can learn, which I agree with 100%. She’s inspired me to make a difference in these students' lives and help them succeed because we are making a difference."
Kelson Omori, a junior at Konwaena High School, had Martinez as a teacher the previous year. "She taught us to be more responsible for our work and to turn work in on time, which is something that I struggled with. But she has helped me a lot," Omori said.
"Respect her and follow her teaching methods because you can actually learn a thing or two from her," Omori advised. "Communication is key and learning how to handle your responsibilities is one of the most important things that Martinez taught me when I was in her class last year.
"There was so much she has taught me within a year of just being in her class, that has helped me improve myself not just as a student but as a human being," he said.