Hello, my name is Erika M. Martinez and I am a Teaching and Learning Coach at Bernard J. Ward Elementary. Prior to coming to BJW, I taught bilingual kindergarten at Jonas Salk and was a TLC at John R. Tibbott Elementary.  I have been teaching since 2011 and love working with other teachers, students and parents. Before teaching at Salk, I taught Pre-Kindergarten at a private school in Plainfield, IL.  I am bilingual(Spanish and English) and love to speak, write and read in both languages.

I have loved working with children all of my life. I am the oldest out of 5! I love to see how curious they are and eager to explore their surroundings. When I child experiences an "Aha" moment, it motivates me to keep pushing them to learn more.

I also enjoy learning new things and cooking fun recipes from pinterest. I love to travel and try new foods,go on adventures and learn!

I receieved my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with Middle School and Bilingual Education Endorsements in 2011. I also have 2 Master's Degrees in English as a Second Language Education(2015) and Educational Leadership(2017) from the University of St. Francis.

Additionally, I  have served as the Bilingual Building Representative, College and Career Readiness Chairperson, Vice-President of Programs at the University of St. Francis, Student Alumni Mentor and a Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society member.  I am also recipient of the Will County Teacher for 2013.