Welcome to GT! I am so excited to share this year with you.  My name is Ms. Martinez and I am the GT 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 a 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 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 is my 22nd year in education.  Prior to this school year, I taught 4th grade for 16 years, I spent 2 years as IIT, 2 years in 5th grade and 1 year in 2nd grade.  I have learned 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 Mom.  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 every day.  Arianna is my 15-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, Sophomore who is loving her 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 13-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, Orchestra and Athletics.  Her love of learning new things makes my Momma heart so happy.  This year, Amaya is in 8th grade at Tejeda Middle School. (Go Timberwolves!)

I look forward to a fabulous 2024-2025 school year.  Teaching is truly a work of art, and a work of heart.