School of Education students named exceptional teacher candidates

The Texas Quest for Quality Project named University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Education (SOE) students Christine Houston and Mari Martinez Exceptional Teacher Candidates for spring 2014.

“This award is a state-wide recognition for our students and SOE’s teacher preparation program,” said Nancy Wright, senior lecturer and STEP (Success Through Education Programs) liaison.

Wright wrote the award nomination letters that were submitted for Houston and Martinez.

“Christine and Mari are active participants in the School of Education’s S.T.E.P. Collaborative,” Wright said. “They are among the most dedicated, hard-working students in our program who have distinguished themselves academically, personally and professionally.”

Amy Cabness is the STEP program coordinator and academic adviser at UHCL.

“The Success Through Education Programs is a collaborative partnership between the University of Houston-Clear Lake, four area school districts, and four community colleges to create opportunities for students as they explore teaching as a profession,” Cabness said.

Both interdisciplinary studies majors are graduating this December. Martinez is graduating with a bilingual component, and Houston is graduating with a focus on EC-6 Generalist with EC-12 SPED (Special Education).

Martinez and Houston have both remained active in student organizations and or local programs throughout their education.

“I serve as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Martinez said. “The organization pairs high school or college students with elementary students who are at risk.”

Houston has participated in numerous UHCL student organizations including serving as President of the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC). Randy Seevers, associate professor for the School of Education dean’s office, assisted as the faculty adviser for SCEC and observed Houston’s work ethic firsthand. Seevers describes Houston as “consistently outstanding.”

“Her visibility is an asset to the UHCL community,” Seevers said. “She is a role model for other teacher candidates.”

Martinez’ determination is perhaps best portrayed through her perseverance in learning the English language. Norma Minter, senior lecturer in the School of Education, stated that Martinez used to practice her English by striking up conversations with seniors at a park on Sundays following church.

“Above all, Mari is a self-motivated person who strives for excellence in everything that she does,” Minter said.

Martinez hopes to be a source of encouragement for children to follow their dreams just as her teachers have done for her. Martinez credited Maria Moreno, her senior year chemistry teacher at her high school in Mexico, Preparatoria Valle de Juarez, for encouraging her to pursue her college degree and inspiring her to become a teacher.

“I am in college close to graduating thanks to her,” Martinez said. “She encouraged me and inspired me to dream and work for my dreams.”

Houston was motivated to pursue a career in education, with a focus on special education, after her son was diagnosed with Autism in the first grade.

“I began to find ways that I can help him succeed,” Houston said. “I started school thinking that if I can help him, why not help as many people as I can.”

For a moment during the pursuit of her college degree, Martinez debated whether teaching was the correct career for her. Her determination was renewed, however, after her UHCL teachers reminded her of the impact that a teacher can have on a student.

“I took a literature course and met Professor Wright,” Martinez said. “She reminded me with her everyday actions the main reasons why I had gone into teaching. There is another professor, Ms. Minter, whom I recognized as a mentor. She believed and had higher hopes for me than I had for myself. Both of these professors have inspired me to try harder and keep going.”

Houston stated that as a mother of four, getting her college degree has presented challenges, but there was always a helping hand on campus.

“When times get tough there is always someone there to help at UHCL,” Houston said. “It is an awesome school, and there is a lot of help around every turn.”

Houston stated that ultimately her time at UHCL has proved rewarding.

“This has been the greatest experience of my life,” Houston said.

While Houston says she has enjoyed her education at UHCL, she looks forward to beginning her career in teaching.

“I want all kids to be able to succeed in life, and I want to help them make that possible,” Houston said.

Following her graduation, Martinez hopes to continue her education by going for her master’s degree at UHCL.

“I do not plan to change the world,” Martinez said, “but I do want to do for others what Mrs. Moreno did for me.”