40 under 40: Cindy Martínez, Lake Tahoe Unified School District

Tahoe Chamber | August 21, 2018 | 40 Under 40

It’s difficult for Cindy Martínez to pick just one professional highlight from last year. As the principal of Bijou Community School, there’s a lot to choose from—whether it’s the small things like seeing an individual student succeed, or the big things like having nearly the entire school staff trained in a new method to improve college readiness in all students.

A Tahoe native, Cindy moved back to the South Shore in 2008 to fulfill her dream of being a bilingual educator. She’s also a member of the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund and joined the county’s Administrative Leadership Academy.

Congratulations to Cindy Martínez, the latest honoree of our 40 under 40 series!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

As the principal of Bijou Community School, my role is to provide strategic direction in our school system and oversee the overall operation of our site. In this dynamic role, some of my responsibilities include planning, articulating, and evaluating our instructional programs, monitoring student achievement, coordinating student and family services, allocating resources, managing site budget, establishing safety procedures, encouraging parent involvement, and collaborating with staff, families, and community members to enhance our practice.

I take pride in having the opportunity to be part of such a unique and caring school community. Celebrating students’ individual academic, social, and linguistic successes is a daily accomplishment. Over the past 10 years, I have been involved in the vertical planning and articulation of our Two-Way Immersion Program and have witnessed the positive outcomes it has brought not only for families and students enrolled in the program, but in our community at large. It is incredible the TWBI program has been in place for 12 years now. I love seeing the integration of communities and the collaboration we engage in to support all students and families. Biliteracy, bilingualism and multi-cultural competence rock!

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

A school setting provides so many special moments. I would have to say that embarking in our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Journey as a school and district has been a special one. The vertical collaboration and team approach to shift our instructional practice and provide students with the tools to overcome obstacles and achieve success has been powerful. I am proud to say that 75% of Bijou staff is now AVID trained!

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?

For me life is about balance, being passionate about what I do, and staying humble. I think it is extremely important to work on ourselves and make sure our souls are happy in order to be positive individuals in all aspects of our lives.

What was your first job?

My first job was in the food service industry; I was a fifteen-year-old busser and hostess at one of the casino’s coffee shops. I enjoyed the direct, face-to-face interactions with people.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

I got married the summer of 2008 and decided to return to Tahoe to be close to family and fulfill my dream of being a bilingual educator in this community. Earlier that year, I met the former EL coordinator and got extremely excited about the possibility of being part of the implementation and development of the TWBI program in our community and support students and families who face similar challenges that I once did.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I am a member of the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund and joined the Administrative Leadership Academy at the County. I have served on the board of the Family Resource Center and was a member of the Lake Tahoe Community College Presidential Screening Committee and part of the community panel for the South Lake Tahoe Police Sergeant Testing.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hanging out at the beach, and exploring new places. I am making it a goal to travel more often.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?

Some of my favorite spots are Riva Grill, Naked Fish, Off the Hook, Samurai, Basecamp, AleWorX, Artemis, The Lake House, My Thai, Ernie’s, Revive, Jimmy’s, Edgewood, and Round Hill Pines.

Get in touch with Cindy today:
Email Cindy
Lake Tahoe Unified School District

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