Matthew “Matt” Martinez, a fifth-grade teacher at Crisman Elementary School, has retained a legacy of teaching and coaching within Portage Township Schools (PTS). Throughout his 17 years as an educator, Martinez has demonstrated a deep commitment to his students’ success.
“For me to be the product of PTS and to give back to the Portage community is really where I’m at,” said Martinez. “I had so many great teachers who molded me and made me who I am. I want to make a difference like they did for me.”
Martinez, a native of Portage, has been rooted within the PTS system since the beginning. Surrounded by the transformative power of education throughout his young life, Martinez chose Purdue University North Central (now Purdue University Northwest) to pursue elementary education.
“After I graduated, I had the opportunity to continue my athletic career,” said Martinez. “I played basketball for four years at the university and decided to pursue their strong elementary education program. My dad was a teacher for two years in PTS, and I would spend a lot of time with him at the school. A lot of our family are teachers as well. When asked what I wanted to be in life, I simply knew.”
Martinez’s career began with a brief, two-day stint as a middle school teacher before a position for a first-grade teacher opened up at Crisman Elementary School. His role lasted four years before his transition to teach fifth grade. This year marks 13 years as a fifth-grade educator.
“My goal is that I have to be able to reach a kid in order for them to reach their full potential,” said Martinez. “I know as an educator that not every kid has the same milestone, but I know my job is done when I’ve seen them grow and learn throughout the school year. My work is not just about academics, but also the social-emotional stuff and building relationships with them.”
Martinez’s daily regimen features a rotation of kids in different groupings from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The typical school day offers him a unique itinerary in its block scheduling, including a morning math class, homeroom, and reading skills period. His afternoon math courses especially offer a daily opportunity to remediate students who struggle with certain concepts. Martinez aims to empower students to explore their potential and develop a love for learning.
“I take pride in the open concept that makes up the Crisman building,” said Martinez. “Our building is unique in that it has no doors. I can see across the hall. These kids are able to attend classes and learn how to drown out all the noise from other classes. I always stand in the hallway every morning and say hi to the kindergartners and the first and second graders, so when they get to my class down the road, the good relationship will already be built.”
Martinez’s love for basketball, honed during his high school and college years, also transcended into a fulfilling career as a coach. In his second year of teaching, Martinez began coaching eighth graders at Fegely Middle School. He moved to the high school level and served as a junior varsity assistant for a number of years before concluding his role as a varsity assistant.
“I have removed myself from the paid position and choose to do it just to spend time with my boys,” said Martinez. “After my father’s sudden passing, I realized life is short and I want to have as much time as I can with my family. Today, I coach my boys in State Park Little League and volunteer for a traveling basketball team for fourth graders.”
His dedication extends beyond the classroom and basketball court as he actively participates in school events and extracurricular activities. Martinez exudes great enthusiasm for Crisman’s annual trip to the Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Martinez attributes the trip as a grand means of keeping the tradition of former Crisman educators alive so students have the opportunity to live history. In addition, he treasures Portage High School's top 30 event where impactful teachers are selected and honored in the form of a crystal apple.
“We put so much time and effort into teaching and sometimes it is just nice to see teachers recognized by the community and our students,” said Martinez. “I received my second crystal apple for making an impact in a former student’s life. Just that small token means the world to me as an educator. It keeps me going day in and day out.”
Outside of his role as a teacher and coach, Martinez enjoys spending the summers traveling with his wife Nikki and his kids. He loves taking part in his volunteer coaching and enjoys activities to stay fit.
“Now that my wife and I are both teaching, I am so appreciative of her support system, both at home and at work,” said Martinez. “The stories we share at night, the conversations we have, and the ideas we bounce off each other have been awesome. When you have a husband or wife that is in the trenches with you, it is so much easier for those bad days when you feel defeated. For us, we’re both teachers together and we’re here for each other.”