RES’ Maria Alejandra Martinez Honored as 2023-2024 HAABE Bilingual Teacher of the Year

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD was well-represented at this year’s Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education (HAABE) Teacher of the Year ceremony as Rosehill Elementary teacher and Tomball ISD’s Bilingual Teacher of the Year Maria Alejandra Martinez was honored as the HAABE Bilingual Teacher of the Year for the Houston region.

Ms. Martinez is currently a fourth grade Two Way Dual Language Bilingual teacher at RES. She brings 15 years of experience to education, two of which have been in Tomball ISD. She became the second HAABE Bilingual Teacher of the Year winner for Tomball ISD in the last three years with Araceli Salinas winning the honor in 2021-2022.

“In teaching I found my purpose in life and in teaching bilingual students I found the love for my profession,” said Martinez. “I am beyond blessed to be able to do this every single day.”

Tomball ISD Director of Multilingual Programs, Ms. Brenda Arteaga:
“For three consecutive years, Tomball ISD has participated in the HAABE Teacher of the Year recognition awards. We have the honor of a second teacher, Mrs. Maria Alejandra Martinez, being named Bilingual Teacher of the Year for the entire Houston region.

"This prestigious accolade celebrates Alejandra’s commitment to excellence in the Dual Language program and symbolizes Tomball ISD’s unwavering commitment to excellence that fosters a rich bilingual experience for all students who participate in our programs. Alejandra is a stellar example of the caliber of educators shaping minds in each of our Dual Language classrooms in Tomball ISD. We are confident that she will represent our district outstandingly at the state level, affirming the standards of excellence synonymous with Tomball ISD!”

Both Martinez and Ms. Lesley Apolskis (Willow Creek Elementary) were recognized at this year’s event as Tomball ISD’s representatives. Apolskis was earlier named TISD’s Elementary ESL Teacher of the Year.

Martinez will represent Tomball ISD at the state competition with TABE.  Additionally, HAABE Board in partnership with the Houston Office of the Education Council at the U.S. Embassy granted Martinez a scholarship for a 1-month Bilingual Education course at the Universitad de Salamanca in Spain. 

What makes teaching so special to you?
“Teaching is very special to me because it gives me the opportunity to help children grow in many aspects. I enjoy seeing and celebrating my student’s achievements. I feel I become part of their life and love to leave a good memory as their teacher.”  

“La docencia es muy especial para mí porque me da la oportunidad de ayudar a los niños a crecer en muchos aspectos. Disfruto viendo y celebrando los logros de mis estudiantes. Siento que formo parte de su vida y me encanta dejar un buen recuerdo como su maestra.”

Why do you continue teaching?
“I continue to teach every year because the satisfaction that I find in my profession is found nowhere else. I am convinced my profession is the best profession because as teachers, we impact lives every single day.”

“Sigo enseñando todos los años porque la satisfacción que encuentro en mi profesión no la encuentro en ningún otro lugar. Estoy convencida de que mi profesión es la mejor porque, como docentes, impactamos vidas todos los días.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“I am part of the Tomball ISD family because I firmly believe in their mission statement. We educate students to become responsible citizens. As teachers in Tomball ISD, we have the amazing opportunity to provide a valuable educational experience. This is why Tomball ISD is not just a district, it is a Destination Excellence!”

“Soy parte de la familia de Tomball ISD porque creo firmemente en su misión. Educamos a los estudiantes para que se conviertan en ciudadanos responsables. Como maestros de Tomball ISD, tenemos la increíble oportunidad de brindar una valiosa experiencia educativa. Es por eso que Tomball ISD no es solo un distrito, ¡es un Destino de Excelencia!”

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 22,000 students across 23 campuses.