Martinez Fellowship

Recruiting, developing, and empowering educators of color in Washington state

(Virtual Info Session Details Here)

We educate for liberation.

The Martinez Fellowship program is changing the culture of education by prioritizing the personal and professional growth of educators of color. Supporting them in their journey and maximizing opportunities to increase their overall representation in Washington state. Through our programming, Fellows move beyond sustaining as educators and grow into thriving and transformational education leaders.

Our holistic programming supports educators of color by equipping them with critical tools, resources, and community to thrive during and beyond their first years of teaching. Through our trademarked framework, Liberation Pedagogy, Fellows co-create spaces by and for BIPOC stories, experiences, and learnings that center heartwork, headwork, and community.

Our impact translates directly from educators to student experiences

0 %

FELLOW RETENTION

COHORTS

FELLOWS

STUDENTS IMPACTED

We prepare teachers to lead for liberation in education.

We partner with Washington state colleges and universities to provide programming, community, and resources to teacher candidates of color to become transformational educators and future leaders. Candidates must be pursuing a B.A. in education, Masters in Education, or an alternate route to certification.

Martinez Fellows are empowered to explore and reflect on the identities that they carry and share in community with other educators and leaders of color. Through our framework, they become experts in how they can then instill and inspire their students and advocate for educational equity within their schools and districts.

“Storytelling and reflection on my personal trajectory helped me to really know that I need to be my authentic self when walking into the classroom.”

“The veteran fellows shared their experiences and suggestions with many of us, new educators. I can see their work being reflected in my work when I have the opportunity to provide mentorship to educators in the future.”

“Connecting with other fellows has made me feel supported and confident I can do my work of fighting against systems of oppression.”

Impactful and enduring benefits of becoming a Fellow include:

BIPOC-designed Professional Development

Beginning with our framework, Liberation Pedagogy, Fellowship content, programming, resources, and guest speakers center, amplify, and support narratives that have historically been the furthest from social justice – predominantly Black and Indigenous women. In community, Fellows process and reflect on the impacts of white supremacy culture on individual and collective lived experiences and how that manifests in the classroom.

Like-Minded Community

Martinez spaces are opportunities for Fellows to model and co-conspire with fellow transformational educators and leaders of color who are passionate and ready to actualize what learning for liberation can be for both adults and children. Being a part of a community with shared experiences means Fellows always have a place where their unique challenges as educators of color are understood. Within the Fellowship, advice is offered generously, and Fellows are encouraged, professionally and emotionally, which ultimately helps them give their best selves to their students.

Access to NWEW Resources

As Fellows, you will also have access to the full offerings of the Network for EdWork’s other programming:

Education EnCounter which supports the development and sustainability of BIPOC leaders
Ally Engagement which provides a framework for white leaders to redefine how they can create and sustain more inclusive, antiracist school environments.

Fellows also have reduced admission to our Annual Convening—a three-day annual conference created by and for BIPOC educators and leaders that centers wellness, joy, and transformative change in education.

Career Growth and Opportunities

As our Fellows mature as educators, we offer various opportunities to develop their leadership skills, including facilitating sessions and developing meaningful curricula for our seminars. Throughout their careers, Fellows are empowered to grow in their profession. This takes the form of support for Fellows as they grow in their role within their schools, pursue the National Board Teaching Certificate, support in applying for an administrative role in education, and connections and pathways to position openings at TAF partner schools in different districts!

Interested in applying? RSVP for a Martinez Info Session or download the Martinez Fellowship Brochure to learn more.

Watch: Maestra Jeni and "los gatitos."

Martinez Fellow Jennifer Estrada works at Hilltop Elementary in the Highline School District. Since joining the Fellowship in 2018, Jeni says she finally feels her experiences as a teacher of color are validated and now she can use what she's learned to create equitable classrooms for her students.

Join the fellowship.

First things first, check first to see if the Martinez Fellowship Program partners with your college or university. If so, reach out to the education department to get started!

Need more information?
Contact nwew@techaccess.org or RSVP for an upcoming info session.

We partner with 13 select colleges and universities across Washington state. By working in tandem with our partners, Fellows receive a continuity of support — starting on campus and then beyond.

Membership to the fellowship is granted through our online application, interview, and selection process. New cohorts are inducted on an annual basis for New Fellow Orientation in June. Each cohort starts its journey with our three-day Annual Martinez Summit at the beginning of August.