Hi, I'm Maura Martinez and thanks for visiting my teaching portfolio!
I am currently teaching English and history at Highville Charter School in New Haven, CT, where I've worked since the 2013-2014 school year. Before Highville, I worked as the Building Substitute/In-School Suspension Monitor at East Hampton Middle School, where I also served during the 2011-2012 year as a paraprofessional, as well as in a long term substitute position from January to May of 2011. In addition to my long term sub experience, I have worked as a daily substitute for East Hampton High School, as well as for secondary schools in Cromwell, Hebron (RHAM), and the CREC Two Rivers Magnet Middle School.
In the spring of 2010, I completed my work at Central Connecticut State University's School of Education and Professional Studies, and have earned my teaching certificate in secondary Social Studies and History(endorsement code 026). In April of 2012, I added a teaching endorsement for English in grades 7-12 (endorsement code 015).
I have chosen a world map to illustrate my home page because the subject of social studies includes virtually everything in the world! To prepare for my teaching career, I have studied Economics, History, Geography, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology. Together, these subjects incorporate the entire history of the world and its people, and the study of contemporary and historical human behavior; all while including elements of every other academic subject as well. My outlook on being a social studies teacher is that it is my responsibility to share the world with my students in order to prepare them to become active participants and citizens in our society.
Under the "Philosophy" tab, you will find my general thoughts on education, as well as specific aspects of my approach to teaching. Also included are short comments on the characteristics of an excellent teacher, and some thoughts on differentiation.
Under "Teaching Goals and Experience," you will find a statement of my overall goals as a teacher, and an annotated explanation of the academic and teaching experiences featured on my resume.
The "Annotated Materials" tab has several assignments I developed during my substitute and student teaching experience, for 7th grade social studies, 9th grade World History and 10th grade Civics students. This section includes research, homework, and class work assignments, as well as alternative assessments and graphic organizers.
Next is a unit plan on the topic of constitutional challenges throughout American history, including an overview and justification and lesson plans.
The Photo Gallery features examples of student work, specifically of the Mexican Mural Project for seventh grade, as well as two tenth grade civics projects: the Legislative Branch Board Game alternative assessment and the Political Party Poster Project.
Next, there is a brief list of books that have guided and influenced my approach to teaching in general and to teaching social studies in particular. The "Documents" tab offers a variety of my own academic work, as an example of the excellence I achieved as I prepared to become a teacher.
Finally, the "Classroom Management Plan" tab features a preliminary plan for student behavior expectations, including specific procedures for taking care of various student needs. This plan will be modified if necessary to support and conform to any school-wide policies with which it may conflict.
Thanks for exploring my portfolio. I hope you enjoy learning about my perspectives on teaching, my experience and the plans I have in place to help students succeed.
