Vanessa Martinez has had a lifelong association with Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet School in Wichita, Kansas. A former student, classroom teacher and Title I instructional coach at Horace Mann, she is now the school's principal, helping to lead a nationally acclaimed dual-language immersion program. As a classroom teacher, Martinez modeled effective instruction and used a range of creative, motivating, research-based strategies to propel her students to academic excellence. As a Title I instructional coach, Martinez supported classroom teachers with professional development and helped integrate math and science into the reading and social studies curriculum. Partnering with two neighboring schools, Martinez played an integral role in coordinating and acquiring funding for a Future Scientists and Engineers Conference (FSEC), engaging 200 fifth and sixth graders in independent and small-group scientific research projects. Her contributions helped Horace Mann achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in all areas for three years in a row. A role model for Hispanic girls, Martinez often mentors and counsels them on making good choices and encourages them to consider college. She has presented often on the dual-language model at national, state and local conferences and has helped Horace Mann earn several honors, including the 2008 Kansas State Title I Distinguished School of the Year for Closing the Achievement Gap and a Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence Award in 1997 from the U.S. Dept. of Education for its exemplary dual-language program.
1995 Friends University, B.A.
