UIW Teacher Education alumni are making a difference in Texas classrooms and beyond.
Katharine Martinez '06
Kathy graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in Spring 2006. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the Dreeben School of Education while part of the AdCAP Program (Adult Degree Completion Program). She earned her teaching certification in Early Childhood-4th Grade. Kathy has been an elementary classroom teacher for eighteen years in the San Antonio area.
Catching Up with Cardinals
Katharine Martinez
Dreeben School of Education
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Q: Can you share the moment you realized that you wanted to be a teacher?
A: When my 5th grade teacher told me that I had beautiful penmanship.
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Q: Can you share with us your experience in the UIW Teacher Education program? How did it prepare you for your career in education?
A: The ADCAP program was extremely easy to follow. I loved how it catered to working adults with full time jobs. I was able to do my job during the day and attend school in the evenings. The Teacher Education program was easy, enjoyable and very well organized.
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Q: What is your favorite memory from the Teacher Education program at UIW?
A: Belonging to a cohort of people who were there for the same thing I was. It was nice to have others around who we could work with. It made learning more fun.
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Q: How long have you been working in education?
A: I am on my 18th year of teaching, plus 2 years as a paraprofessional...20 years in education!
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Q: Tell us about your current position/job.
A: Currently I am a PreK3 teacher. I have taught 2nd grade, 1st grade, Kindergarten, PreK4.
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Q: What do you love the most about your current job?
A: I am in love with my littles! While I have enjoyed teaching the early grades, I truly love PreK3 the most. They are so full of curiosity and energy and all things that make them special. I love to interact with them while playing, as their imaginations fuel learning. This creates a lot of teachable moments.
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Q: What are your career goals for the next five years?
A: My career goal is to work in education for 2 more years. Once I have a total of 20 years, I am retiring.
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Q: What helps you avoid teacher burnout?
A: *Be aware of your stress levels
*Take mental health days
*Have positive relationships with your colleagues; create friendships
*Leave schoolwork at work
*It's okay to say no
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Q: Do you have any advice for anyone considering a career in teaching?
A: *Manage your time well
*Stay organized
*Follow routines and be consistent
*Keep it exciting
*Celebrate successes
*Have realistic expectations
*Love your students
*Be patient