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  • Maria Martinez receives a hug from Dilynn Hare following Martinez being named Teacher of the Year for Duncan Public Schools. Derrick Miller/The Duncan Banner

    Martinez takes top place
November 30, 2011

Martinez is Duncan’s top teacher

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — When Duncan’s Teacher of the Year was revealed Tuesday, the honor went to grade teacher Maria Martinez, who was shocked — to say the least.

“I’m excited! I’m shocked! I was not expecting this at all,” said the young educator, who splits time as a fourth- and fifth-grade instructor Woodrow Wilson Elementary.

The moment of surprise came when Martinez was named Duncan Public Schools’ top educator for 2011-12, during a ceremony at First Baptist Church. The announcement was made by DPS Superintendent Sherry Labyer.

During the ceremony, Labyer talked about how important each of the nominated teachers have been to the school district. She said they were nominated for the award because they care about their students and work to make a positive impact on young lives.

“You all are looking at the teachers sitting before you who make a difference in the lives of Duncan students,” Labyer said.

As with every year since she became superintendent, Labyer chose not to know who the winner of the award was until she opened the envelop on the stage at First Baptist. When she that announcement came, Martinez was revealed as the winner of the district’s highest teaching honor.

She received a standing ovation, before delivering a speech about winning, despite admitting to not having any remarks prepared in advance.

“I do want to thank all the people who have made a difference in my life,” Martinez said. “The people I know — or have met — have made me who I am today.”

Martinez has been with Duncan Public Schools for five years. She has interacted with many instructors and students who have helped direct her life toward becoming an educator who values passing on knowledge and shaping individuals.

The award was a reflection of her desire to improve and the people who helped her evolve.

“I am just in awe,” Martinez said. “This is an honor to receive this.”

Martinez emerged from a field of nine other nominees — Karen Berninger, Michelle Taylor, Tammy Bennett, Jana Bowers, Jeri Horinek, Michelle Spurgin, Dilynn Hare and Kim Blalock.

It was Martinez’ first time nominated as teacher of the year. Once a teacher has won this award, they no longer eligible for nomination.

Area businesses donated items as prizes for the winner, and Immanuel Baptist Church provided cookies for the reception that followed the announcement.

Following the ceremony, Martinez discussed her feelings about being named Teacher of the Year. She said being nominated was a reward in itself, because it helped her reflect on how far she has come in the teaching profession. The honor was also a reminder of the core values Martinez holds dear in teaching.

“It’s been an honor to be nominated, just the whole process,” she said. “It brought back to my mind why I’m doing this, why I’m here.”

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