Welcome to 4th grade! I am so excited to share this year with you.  My name is Ms. Martinez and I am a 4th grade teacher at Hardy Oak.  I believe that every child should have a love for learning.  My goal is to ensure that all of my students grow their love of learning throughout the year.

Prior to becoming an educator in NEISD, I was student in NEISD.  I started my education journey at Clear Spring Elementary. I attended Clear Spring for kindergarten and first grade.  After moving out of district for a year,  I returned and attended Northern Hills Elementary for the rest of my elementary years.  I then moved on to Garner Middle School and then to James Madison High School.  I knew teaching was in my future, so off to college I went.  I graduated from Southwest Texas State University in December of 2002.  It is an honor to currently work for a district that inspired me to become the life long learner that I am today. 

This year, I will be entering into my 21st year in education.  Prior to this school year, I taught 4th grade for 15 years, I spent 2 years as IIT, 2 years in 5th grade and 1 year in 2nd grade.  I have larned so much on this fabulous journey.  I often joke with the kids that they teach me about as much as I teach them. :)  I am definitely  a life long learner who looks for an opportunity to learn and grow in all aspects of my life.

I was inspired to go into teaching by one of my favorite teachers - my mother.  She retired from teaching just as I was starting my own journey.  She had such an amazing passion and love for her students.  Her commitment to them and their learning was awe inspiring.  I knew I had to be part of the same process.  

In addition to being a teacher, I am also a Mommy.  I have two of the most beautiful little ladies that are my absolute heart and soul.  They too, have taught me so much about teaching.  I learn from them everyday.  Arianna is my 14 year old who used to be my whirly, twirly princess.  Now she is my quirky, make-me-laugh-so-hard-my-stomach-hurts, growing-way-too-fast, brand new Freshman who will begin her new high school adventure at Johnson this year. (Go Jags!)  She has a passion for art and creativity that amazes me every day!    Amaya  is my fiercely opinionated 12 year old who wants to make sure the world knows she's here.  She is also a very inquisitive young lady who loves her friends and family very much. She is also very involved in her own learning and growing as she is currently into Theater Arts, Dance and Orchestra.  Her love of learning new things makes my Momma heart so happy.  This year, Amaya will be in 7th grade at Tejeda Middle School. (Go Timberwolves!)

I look forward to a fabulous 2023-2024 school year.  Teaching is truly a work of art, and a work of heart.