Sheila Martinez
Miami,FL
Summary
Experienced educator with 21 years in fostering student achievement and a love for learning, specializing in reading, language arts, and writing. Skilled in curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and creating inclusive, engaging classrooms. Committed to professional growth and building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to support academic success and personal growth.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
3rd Grade Reading and Language Arts Teacher
William Lehman Elementary School
08.2006 - Current
- Teaching foundational skills in reading, writing, and language arts, including phonics, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling, to help students build strong reading fluency and comprehension skills
- Guiding students to understand and analyze texts, introducing strategies for identifying main ideas, making inferences, and understanding plot, characters, and themes
- Teaching students to express their ideas clearly and effectively through writing
- Developing lesson plans that align with state and district standards, adjusting instruction to meet diverse student needs, and incorporating reading and writing strategies for students at different skill levels
- Conducting regular assessments to monitor student progress, providing feedback to support growth, and tailoring instruction based on assessment results to close skill gaps
- Creating a classroom environment that inspires a passion for reading and writing through book choices, writing prompts, and class discussions, making literacy engaging and accessible
- Keeping parents informed about their child's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement in reading and writing, and suggesting ways they can support learning at home
- Creating a positive, structured classroom environment where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn and participate
ESL Teacher, Independent Contractor
VIPKID
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Conducting online classes via video conferencing with young learners, using props, visuals, and Total Physical Response (TPR) techniques to maintain engagement, improve comprehension, and create an immersive learning experience
- Adjusting my teaching approach based on the child's language level and individual learning style to maximize engagement and comprehension
- Teaching English language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and sometimes basic writing by following the pacing guide and lesson objectives provided by the platform while ensuring students understand the material
- Understanding and respecting cultural nuances, adapting language and examples as appropriate for young Chinese learners and being mindful of differences in cultural context and avoiding topics that may not align with the cultural background of students
- Attending any optional training or workshops offered by VIPKid to enhance teaching skills and stay updated on platform policies, curriculum changes, or best practices resulting in 46 certifications
- Taught over 2,000 online classes via video conferencing
Hourly ESOL Teacher
Cutler Bay Academy of Advanced Studies
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Creating and delivering engaging lessons tailored to adults' language proficiency levels and real-life needs, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills
- Identifying each learner's English language proficiency and setting achievable goals
- Adapting instruction to meet the varied learning levels, styles, and cultural backgrounds of adult students
Inclusion Teacher
Olympia Heights Elementary
01.2001 - 06.2006
- Working closely with general education teachers to co-plan lessons that meet the needs of all students
- Adapting instructional strategies to meet a range of learning abilities and styles
- Providing one-on-one or small group instruction to students who need additional support
- Coordinating with related service providers, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school counselors, to implement recommended accommodations and strategies
Education
Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership & Instructional Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Miami, FL05.2013
Master of Science - Curriculum, Instruction & Technology
Nova Southeastern University
Miami, FL08.2005
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education with ESOL Endorsement
Florida International University
Miami, FL12.2001
Associate in Arts - Elementary Education
Miami – Dade Community College
Miami, FL06.1999
Skills
- Bilingual
- Excellent Typing Skills
- Excellent Management Skills
- Outstanding Communication Skills
- Effective Planning and Organizational Skills
- Excellent Skill in the use of Educational Technology
- Experience of the K-12 Classroom Setting
- Experience in teaching English to Adult Learners
Professionalcertificationsandtrainings
Earned additional certifications and attended trainings in reading intervention, ESL, and technology integration.
Accomplishments
- Teacher of the Year Recognition, 2025
- Successfully helped students make notable gains in reading, fluency and vocabulary.
- Increased the number of students scoring proficient or advanced on district or state assessments.
Schoolinvolvement
Started and organized the robotics club., Established consistent communication channels.
Timeline
ESL Teacher, Independent Contractor
VIPKID
01.2021 - 12.2021
Hourly ESOL Teacher
Cutler Bay Academy of Advanced Studies
08.2015 - 12.2015
3rd Grade Reading and Language Arts Teacher
William Lehman Elementary School
08.2006 - Current
Inclusion Teacher
Olympia Heights Elementary
01.2001 - 06.2006
Doctor of Education - Organizational Leadership & Instructional Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Science - Curriculum, Instruction & Technology
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education with ESOL Endorsement
Florida International University
Associate in Arts - Elementary Education
Miami – Dade Community College
Similar Profiles
KEVIN WALKERKEVIN WALKER
School Counselor Leave Replacement at William Floyd Elementary SchoolSchool Counselor Leave Replacement at William Floyd Elementary School
Sarah Merkord ReedSarah Merkord Reed
Kindergarten Teacher at William Perry Elementary SchoolKindergarten Teacher at William Perry Elementary School
Larae ShorterLarae Shorter
Paraprofessional at William B. Keene Elementary SchoolParaprofessional at William B. Keene Elementary School