MASTER TEACHER: BERYL MARTINEZ (1959-1983)
Beryl Martinez exemplified what I thought a first grade teacher should be-- patient, kind, organized, and knowledgeable. Walking into her room was a pleasure, for she had instilled in her children the importance of manners.
Beth Hower, a revered Head of Lower School, delivered this touching speech at the Master Teacher’s Reception:
“Beryl lived Graland’s Mission Statement every day of her teaching career. The eye of an artist, the skill of a surgeon, the passion of a lifelong learner. Together, they created magic in Beryl’s classroom. Students were invested, engaged, respectful because they were honored, challenged, and active participants in their learning. The expectations were high, the praise genuine, and the follow-through consistent. Each child’s individuality was nurtured and celebrated.
“Beryl had a gift for making difficult concepts accessible to her students. She used novel ways to help children internalize mathematics, and students used the visual dimension of their world through Beryl’s creative art projects. Sharing her Alaskan artifacts with students, she helped them develop an understanding of Native American beliefs and customs and respect for all people.”
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
