First Generation Graduate

When Michelle Martinez walks across the stage in 2010 with a degree in math and teacher certification, she will be the first in her immediate family to earn a college degree. Michelle originally considered teaching when in high school. But it was her fifth- and sixth-grade math teacher who she recalls as particularly inspirational. He not only taught solutions to mathematical problems but also imparted life values. "I remember my senior year writing him and thanking him for all the things he taught us," she says. "At that point in my life, I was really shy. I later realized that he tried to get everyone involved."

TeachHOUSTON appealed to Michelle because she could not only observe in the classroom but also gain teaching experience early on. "It helps that you have good mentor teachers," she says. "When you observe that, you get a good example of what to expect and what to do."

As she gains experience, she continues to be more assertive and better able to think on her feet. "Each class has its own personality," Michelle says. "I found myself changing the lesson in the moment to adjust to that."

Previously she worked summers in a fast-food job. But for 1 ½ years, she has worked 10 hours per week in the teachHOUSTON office. She says, "Financially, it’s been a blessing to have this job. Working on campus is more efficient and flexible."

Michelle plans to teach high school math and hopes to student teach in the Spring Branch Independent School District, where she has been assigned to date. Does she advise students to consider teaching? "I would definitely tell them that they should give it a try to see if they like it. It’s really important that we have good teachers. You might just have the talent for it, and you don’t know."