Follow Us

Martinez Fellowship Program

The Martinez Fellowship Program was established by Holli and Edgar Martinez in 2008 and is now managed by the Technology Access Foundation (TAF). Applications are due May 6th, 2024. Click here to apply today.

The Martinez Fellowship program strives to change the culture of education by promoting the flourishing of teachers of color in Washington state. Fellows gain the critical tools required for navigating the early years of teaching and develop a network for sustainability in the profession.

If you are interested in being a part of this dynamic fellowship, click here for information, and click here to apply. Applications are due May 6th, 2024. Technology Access Foundation (TAF) is holding several information sessions, click here for more information.

Benefits of Becoming a Martinez Fellow

  • Graduate-level scholarships toward Masters in Teaching degrees
  • Opportunities to network and collaborate with other teachers of color in a trusted community
  • Early career coaching and support
  • Leadership opportunities within and outside of the program
  • Three-day Martinez Fellows Summer Conference
  • Four Saturday professional-development seminars throughout the school year
  • Students enrolled in a graduate teacher preparation program at SPU and accepted as a Martinez Fellow are eligible to substitute Martinez summer and Saturday professional development activities in place of three credits of regular coursework as an additional benefit (not applicable to ARC program).

 Martinez Fellows Agree to the Following

  • Work as educators in Washington State K-12 public schools immediately upon graduation from their teaching program. Fellows must commit to teaching for at least three years, preferably longer.
  • Attend and participate in the annual Martinez Fellowship Summit. Attendance is mandatory for first and second-year Fellows (Preservice and first-year teachers). Attendance in the third year and beyond is voluntary but strongly encouraged.
  • Participate in the Saturday Professional Development Seminars which are held 4 times over the course of the school year. Physical attendance is mandatory for first and second-year Fellows (Preservice and first-year teachers). Attendance in the third year and beyond is strongly encouraged; opportunities are available for Fellows to lead Seminar workshops and discussions!
  • Professional standards of conduct and punctuality are expected at Martinez Fellowship events.
  • Serve as a role model as a professional educator and agree to help mentor and collaborate with other Fellows to improve K-12 teaching.
  • Maintain accurate contact and work-site information, including email address, phone number, home address, district, school, grade/subject.
  • Participate in program surveys and/or research inquiries to help TAF learn more about teacher education, teacher effectiveness, and how to shape the Martinez Fellows program to recruit and retain future teacher candidates.
  • Give permission to TAF to promote award recipients’ names and bios on TAF’s website, in press releases, print brochures, video clips, and by introducing them at TAF sponsored events.
  • Participate in Community Events throughout the year and/or host events for other Fellows to attend.
     

Application

The Martinez Fellowship scholarship is an annual, nonrecurring award for students of color admitted to a graduate-level teacher-preparation program at SPU. Scholarship recipients may receive different award amounts based on additional funding. Applications are due May 6th, 2024.

Criteria for Selecting Martinez Fellows

  • Admission to one of SPU’s graduate teacher-preparation programs
  • Demonstrate a commitment to social justice
  • Willingness to sign a contract agreeing to (1) teach for 3 years in a Washington public school (preferably in a diverse high-needs school) and (2) participate in program professional-development opportunities
  • Experience with school-age youth, education, youth development, social services, or related field
  • Demonstration of financial need (preferred)

Applications are due May 6th, 2024.. Visit this page to apply today.

Qualified applicants will be invited for 30-minute interviews with Technology Access Foundation (TAF) staff, current Martinez Fellows, and SPU program faculty in late April or early May, during the late afternoon and evening. Questions specific to the program can be directed to nwew@techacess.org.