Julius West Educator Wins Rising Star Teacher of The Year

Via MCPS

In the midst of the COVID-19 emergency, classrooms have had to adjust to online instruction and learning.

MyMCMedia’s Andrea Sarralde spoke with Joanna Martinez-Mack, the recipient of the Rising Star Teacher of the Year Award by the Marian Greenblatt Education Fund. The award recognizes great teachers who have less than five years experience.

Martinez-Mack teaches 6th and 7th grade science at Julius West Middle School in Rockville. She is recognized for her passion for education, her relationship-building skills with students and her initiatives to incorporate technology in the classroom.

“She recognizes when students accomplish something amazing in her class; she makes learning fun; and she rewards students for being academically great!” Lucie Koulet-Vickot, a parent, wrote to MCPS.

Martinez-Mack speaks to Sarralde about the award, as well as the challenges with online instruction. She also sends a message to students during the Coronavirus pandemic.

About Veronica Canales

Veronica Canales was a spring 2020 intern for Montgomery Community Media. She studies at the University of Maryland, where she is double majoring in broadcast journalism and French.

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