“I always push UT,” said Ms. Martinez, laughing. “But I forgive them when they go to other schools.”
Ms. Martinez, a Longhorn alumna who is Temple College’s director of mathematics, sciences and physical education, was named Claudia and W. T. Barnhart Outstanding Teacher of the Year at Temple College for the 2007-08 academic year.
The math whiz has been a faculty member at Temple College since 2000, where she also serves as the dual credit coordinator, often working with high school students who are looking to continue their education.
“I try to help students as much as I can, whether it’s with classwork or for guidance and advice,” Ms. Martinez said.
Performing arts instructor Dr. Sarah Nell Summers nominated Ms. Martinez for the Barnhart award.
“(Ms. Martinez’s) high academic standards complement her communication skills and her deep-hearted concern for her students,” Ms. Summers’ nomination letter said. “I overhear students recommending faculty to their fellow students and Cynthia is always mentioned positively.”
“I was quite speechless when I found out I had been nominated,” Ms. Martinez said. “I was very touched that (Ms. Summers) would write a letter for me like that.
“I always try to be open in my communication,” Ms. Martinez said about her methods with students.
“I deal with students who are in different circumstances every day. Whether it’s the high school student taking college courses, the everyday student who goes here, or the older student who is coming back to school,” she said.
“A lot of students don’t understand why they’re required to take (math courses). They don’t want to do it,” Ms. Martinez said. “But it’s an important function in everyday life. It’s important that you’re able to balance a checkbook. By openly communicating with the students, they’re more apt to appreciate what they’re doing.”
During the recently concluded spring semester, Ms. Martinez worked closely with high school students, not only as a credit coordinator, but also as a math instructor at Holy Trinity Catholic High School, where she taught a math course for college credit.
Ms. Martinez is a native of Eagle Pass and attended school in the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District, graduating in 1982. She received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Angelo State University and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas.
She began her teaching career at Temple High School.
Recipients of the Barnhart Award receive a cash award for their efforts. Last year, health and physical education teacher, department chair and men’s basketball coach Kirby Johnson received a $2,000 award.
The award is named in honor of Claudia and W. T. Barnhart, whose family established an endowment fund in 1988 for the annual recognition given through the Temple College Foundation.
