Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 RPS | FROM Page 1 be the only profession in which we get to start all over again each year,” said Revere Superintendent Dr. Dianne Kelly. “The first day of school inspires a similar kind of anxious excitement for staff as it does for students. We’re meeting new colleagues for the fi rst time; perhaps we have a new classroom neighbor or a new administrator we are working closely with. I’m sure our veteran staff will welcome our new colleagues with open arms.” The dedication and passion of teachers like Jennifer Martinez is truly inspiring. Martinez, a 2013 Revere High School graduate, will return to her hometown to teach fi rst grade ESL at Lincoln School. After graduating from Revere High, Martinez went on to Bunker Hill Community College before transferring to Lesley University and earning a degree in Children, Youth, and Family Studies with a minor in Social Work. “Upon graduating from Lesley, I felt uncertain about my career direction,” said Martinez. “I began working as a paraprofessional in Chelsea just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. During the pandemic, I worked remotely as a paraprofessional for a kindergarten class.” In October of the 2021-2022 school year, Martinez was unexpectedly asked to take over Revere Superintendent Dr. Dianne Kelly talked with new teachers during last week’s orientation luncheon. Revere School Committee Vice Chair Jacqueline Monterroso talking with a new RPS teacher Beachmont Veterans Memorial School Principal Chris Freisen talks with new staff . a fi rst-grade foundational classroom. “Although the request surprised me and initially made RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM me nervous, I quickly fell in love with teaching,” she said. She received her Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) in 2023 from Salem State University and spent two years teaching in a fi rst-grade foundational classroom before transitioning to a new role as a fi rst-grade ESL teacher in Chelsea in 2023. Martinez said her bilingual abilities in English and Spanish have been invaluable in working with diverse communities. Garfi eld Elementary School Principal Dr. Percy Napier welcomed new teachers to his school during last week’s orientation. “It is deeply rewarding to give back to the community I grew up in, as well as to the city where I attended middle and high school,” she said. “Supporting English language learners is a passion of mine, and I am committed to advocating for their success. I believe that language barriers should never prevent anyone from achieving their potential, and I am dedicated to being there for students who need support the most. Teaching in my hometown allows me to leverage my skills and experiences in a meaningful way, making a direct impact on students’ lives.” Martinez said that from growing up in a household where English was a second language, she understands fi rsthand the challenges of adapting to a new school environment while learning a new language. “This personal experience helps me relate to my students and empathize with their struggles,” she said. “It’s why I believe in being patient, understanding, and approaching my work with an open mind. I strive to make a positive impact on my students and serve as a resource for parents who might feel hesitant to get involved due to language barriers. I aim to be a dependable support for both students and their families.” Martinez said that, overall, coming back to teach in Revere is a way for her to merge personal ties with professional aspirations, creating a rewarding and impactful career. It’s rewarding for her to contribute to the same environment where she learned and grew. It’s evident that Revere Public Schools is attracting a diverse and talented group of educators who are eager to make a positive impact on the lives of their students, like Gary Venenga, who will teach third grade ESL at Garfield Elementary School. The son of a career soldier, Venenga grew up an “army
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