Weston Awards: Meet Bradford Teacher Samantha Martinez

2025 Weston Award Winner

This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools.

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It’s probably fair to say last year wasn't what Samantha Martinez expected it to be.

When her colleague took an unexpected leave, this second grade special education teacher suddenly found herself as lead teacher for a class of 22-plus students. But Ms. Martinez didn’t miss a beat. 

Parents who nominated her for this honor said she did a commendable job. “Ms. Martinez stepped right up and took on the extra responsibilities to help make this as seamless as possible for the class.” 

Under her leadership, students felt seen, valued, and empowered. Parents said that she knows their children well and makes the classroom a place of joy and discovery, where academic excellence is balanced with emotional growth. Ms. Martinez helped create a space where young learners are excited to show up each day, and where their confidence blossomed under her care. 

One letter said: “I have watched [my child] grow more confident, engaged, and eager to learn than I have ever seen him, and I credit so much of that to the supportive, structured, and encouraging environment Ms. Martinez has created. Reading has gone from something he actively resisted to an activity he genuinely looks forward to. Watching him build confidence and pride in this area has been a joy.”

Another parent said their child liked Ms. Martinez so much they wanted to sign up for after-school math enrichment – a subject this child usually declares is BORING. “The fact that he wanted to sign up for the class just because she was teaching it shows that she is a wonderful teacher.” 

One parent put it simply: “It is educators like Ms. Martinez who remind us of the profound impact a single teacher can have."

Ms. Martinez, for masterfully adapting to serve as a lead teacher and bringing your magic to even more students this year, the Montclair Public Schools community is proud to recognize you as an inspired teacher. Congratulations.