“GRPS Champions” is a web series published every Monday celebrating the incredible work of GRPS team members.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – As a first-grade teacher at Southwest Elementary School Academia Bilingüe, Maria Martin is proudly continuing a family tradition of education.
Martin’s passion for teaching is influenced by her father, who taught across South America and the Caribbean. After moving to the United States, he continued tutoring Spanish learners, planting the seeds of a lifelong commitment to education in his daughter.
“I try to instill in my students the importance of education and encourage them to do their best,” she said. “I remind them that they can do anything they wish to do. I hope they know they are needed and that each one of them matters and adds value to our class.”
Her favorite part of teaching is building relationships with her scholars and their families.
“One of the things I enjoy most about teaching is meeting the students and getting to know their families and where they are from,” Martin shared.
Her journey with GRPS started in a different role, serving as a secretary. After a stint with a philanthropic organization in Battle Creek, she returned to Grand Rapids, eager to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Seeing the growing need for Spanish-speaking educators, she went back to school for her Master of Education and soon found herself back at Southwest, this time leading a first-grade classroom.
“I love the school I teach in,” Martin explained. “The staff and administrators are supportive, and we have a positive school culture.”
