11 Sep New Teacher Brings Curiosity and Connection to First Grade
Being a good teacher requires patience, determination, and empathy. However, to be a great teacher, there is one quality that is of the utmost importance: passion.
For BCHA’s newest first-grade teacher, Isabella “Bella” Martinez, that passion has been alive since the fifth grade when she got her first teaching position as a kindergarten teacher’s assistant. Fast forward to high school, and Martinez was still taking on as many teaching responsibilities as she could, this time as a counselor and teacher at a theatre camp she had previously attended. It was this passion that led Martinez to pursue a career in teaching, a choice she’s never wavered on.
In a question-and-answer interview, Martinez shared how she hopes to build a classroom steeped in curiosity and kindness.
What drew you to teaching at BCHA?
I always heard wonderful things about BCHA and the strong community here. When I saw a first-grade teacher position open, I knew I had to apply. Then I met the Lower School Principal, Tricia Hoff, and I could just tell from the first time I met her what a caring and incredible school leader she is. I was thrilled when she asked me to come in and do a demo lesson for a first-grade class. When I came to the school, everyone was so warm, welcoming, and kind. I felt this feeling like I was where I was meant to be.
What do you enjoy most about teaching first-grade students?
What I enjoy most about teaching first grade is the connections that I can make with my students each year. I love getting to know them and building strong bonds from the very first day. There is great joy in helping them learn and grow. One of my favorite parts is seeing students have those lightbulb moments when they work so hard to achieve something they didn’t think was possible. I also love creating special moments and memories for them to look back on.
What’s one lesson you hope children will take away from your class this year?
I hope my students will take away from our class this year that we should never stop learning and dreaming. My hope is for them to develop a love for learning, to always be curious, ask questions, and want to discover new things. I hope they learn to never stop believing in themselves and that they know they can do anything they set their minds to. My goal is to create a truly special and peaceful classroom where they feel excited and eager to learn every day.
What’s one lesson you hope to take away in your first year?
I hope to take away the lesson of how valuable reflection is for my growth as a teacher. I know there will be moments when things don’t go as planned, but I want to learn how to use those moments to reflect, adjust, and improve for the future.