Photo courtesy: Fort Worth ISD

Marisol Martin, who earned her Early Childhood – 6th grade teaching certification at the Texas Wesleyan School of Education, has been recognized for her outstanding work with her students at Fort Worth’s West Handley Elementary School. Martin was named the XTO Energy Chair for Teaching Excellence in Early Childhood Education, one of 16 Fort Worth ISD Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence. Martin will hold the title for one year and receive a $5,000 honorarium. 

“I believe that all students have the desire and capability to set goals and accomplish them. It is my mission to grow their love for learning and create a space where my students feel safe and comfortable to be and express who they are,” Martin said during a luncheon honoring this year’s recipients held Nov. 18 in Fort Worth. She found out about the honor during a surprise celebration held at her school on Nov. 4. 

Martin was also a member of Texas Wesleyan’s first Teach for America cohort, whose members commit to teaching for two years in a low-income community. 

A record 157 teachers applied for the 16 FWISD Academic Chairs. To be eligible, teachers must have been elected a Campus Teacher of the Year within the last five years or provide details on their campus and classroom leadership roles. Applicants then had to explain their philosophy of teaching and share how the pandemic affected the way they engage with students. Finally, 50 finalists submitted teaching demonstration videos for review. 

TXWES Undergraduate Education Chair and Associate Professor of Education Jacqueline Gaffner, Ed.D. and former Associate Professor of Education and Director of Doctoral Programs Celia Scott, Ph.D., served as members of the selection committee for the Early Childhood Education Chair. 

Listen to Marisol in her own words above.