Many of our teachers across the organization were once IDEA scholars themselves. When they return to serve at the campuses that once shaped them, they bring a unique sense of commitment. As former students in those very classrooms, who walked down those same hallways, the experiences they share with students make a powerful connection.
Job Martinez, a 5th Grade Math Teacher out of the Rio Grande Valley, embodies what it means to be an IDEA alumni teacher. In the fall of 2024 when he returned to IDEA Weslaco, his mission was clear: to inspire kids from his community to go to and through college. From an early age, education played a big role in Job’s life. During his time as a student at IDEA Weslaco, he was inspired to pursue higher education after he attended his first College Signing Day in 8th grade.
“Witnessing that celebration of hard work and achievement lit a fire inside me – I couldn’t wait for the day I’d announce to my family and friends where I would be going to college,” Martinez said. “The idea of making my parents proud by reaching that milestone was incredibly motivating for me.”
He then went on to be part of his own College Signing Day in 2018, being part of IDEA Weslaco’s inaugural graduating class. He stayed close to home and attended the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and his master’s degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he found success as a Corporate Sales Administrator; however, his heart remained in education. It was the foundation that changed his life that called him to do the same for the next generation of students in his community.
Today, Job is entering his second year of teaching at IDEA Weslaco. He is excited to take everything he’s learned from his first year of teaching and apply it to the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. After his students performed above average on the 2024-2025 STAAR, he is determined to maintain that momentum. As he once struggled with math himself, performing at the Approaches Grade Level, he wants to use his story to inspire his students. Showing them that growth is always possible with the right mindset and support.
“To me, being an IDEA Alumni teacher is very meaningful. It gives me the chance to use my own story to inspire students and their families to dream bigger,” Martinez said. “Whether it’s through college, certification programs, or other career paths, I want our community to understand that success isn’t “one-size-fits-all”. It does, however, require purpose, planning, and perseverance.”
Interested in becoming an educator with IDEA Public Schools? Be a catalyst of change for our scholars and apply now to join our Team and Family for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
