Martin Silverman is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.  He has been committed to providing the best educational experience for the students and families at Salinas Elementary School where he recently retired as principal.  Martin has worked as a teacher and administrator in urban, suburban, and rural districts.  His interests are creating and nurturing school culture, providing enriching experiences for students and families, and developing future teachers and administrators.  As a former bilingual teacher and administrator,  Martin is committed to providing ELL students with quality programs to develop their unique skills.  

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Martin had the outstanding opportunity to be educated in the NYC Public Schools.  His first formative years were spent in a Brooklyn housing project, and then in various apartments in the borough. Even though his parents did not have extensive formal education, he learned the value of hard work, and the love of literacy through their modeling of reading. His three older sisters often “forced” him to play school, which helped him develop an appreciation for education.  As a matter of fact, the family legend says that his crib was the Principal’s Office when his sisters played school.  This early imprinting is probably the reason he became a school principal!

Martin had the impactful experience of being among the first class of students who attended PK/Head Start in the NYC Public Schools. The value of effective early childhood education has been his passion, which was one reason he loved being a 1st-grade teacher and leading a PK-2 elementary school for his first principalship.

Education is a human endeavor, and Martin leans on the lessons learned from several of his teachers growing up. When Mr. Blank, his 2nd-grade teacher, told his parents he was a good writer, the words stuck and helped create a life-long love of writing.  When he was in 7th grade, his Spanish teacher, Mrs. Raddock, created an environment where language learning was alive. He credits his desire to learn languages and become a bilingual teacher to her influence. 

Martin has most recently been working as a consultant/coach in Texas, specifically working on a long-term project with a primary school and their leadership to enhance their practice and improve outcomes for students and teachers. One highlight has been helping facilitate a collaborative inquiry practice with teachers including teachers observing other teachers to identify and address problems of practice.

Martin hosts a podcast called The Second Question, which highlights educators and provides them a forum to discuss ideas and honor the teachers who have influenced their lives. He is also part of a trio of Texas educators that host the podcast The Texan Connection.