Telemundo Morning News

RUSD District Teacher of the Year Paula Stella Martinez from Telesis Academy was featured on Telemundo News for being selected as one of the top 16 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year. Click to Watch!

Congratulations to Paula Stella Martinez, a powerhouse educator who is proud to call Rowland Unified her home. An inspiration in and out of the classroom for more than 25 years, she ignites young minds daily teaching History, English and an award-winning debate program to seventh and eighth graders at Telesis Academy.

Martinez graduated from Stanford University with a degree in American Studies and always knew she wanted to work as a teacher of United States history and literature.

“My grandfather and mother were both professional teachers. As a granddaughter of immigrants from Mexico and Italy, I was blessed to observe the perspectives of people who cherished the United States education system as a beacon of opportunity and equality. My greatest accomplishments in education are providing opportunities to young people, guiding students to learn, and hosting extracurricular activities to empower youth. I believe every student before me has potential and capability, regardless of background."

Rowland Unified School District Superintendent Alejandro Flores was recognized by California State Senator Bob Archuleta (30^th Senate District) for his contributions as a Latino educational leader. Senator Archuleta has launched a video series in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month spotlighting Latino leaders across California who have made an impact in their communities and Superintendent Flores will be featured in an upcoming episode.

“In California, 54 percent of the 6.2 million students are Latino, however, representation of Latino leaders in education does not yet reflect these numbers,” said Senator Archuleta at the September 12 Rowland Unified School District Board of Education Meeting. “Leaders like Superintendent Flores are hard to find and we honor your dedication, your contribution to the students and the inspiration you give to young men and women who are apart of the school district. Your experience in education from starting as a classroom teacher, to principal and now being named as Superintendent speaks volumes to the communities that you serve.”

Flores has served the students, staff, and families of the Rowland Unified community for the past nine years as Deputy/Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services and became Superintendent on July 1. He shared how special this award was since he grew up in Pico Rivera and remembered when Senator Archuleta started his political career by serving on the water board.

“I am humbled and honored by this recognition but this work is not done alone," said Flores. "I accept this for all the amazing people that I have worked with in my 30 years of education. You do this with a team and this team includes everyone in the school district, including our parents and families because we are all working together for one thing and that is to serve our kids.”