World Geography teacher Joe Martinez thinks since he grew up in the Lower Valley he can relate to the students at Bel Air because he knows what it’s like to not be handed things for free.

Martinez said, “I like Bel Air because being a lower valley kid and going to Ysleta High School, I had to work for everything I earned, just like these students.”

Martinez attended college and got his masters in teaching.

Martinez said, “I attended UTEP while playing receiver on the football team for two years, then got my masters from Sul Ross State University because I admired a  professor, Rebecca Scholsser, who was a very intellectual woman and judge.”

Martinez’s passion for World Geography is what makes him want to teach his students more in depth about the world.

“I always loved teaching World Geography because I get to show my students more than just the physical features, but also the beautiful cultures that are found all over the world,” Martinez said.

Martinez believes our future society will run off of technology including all education.

“My teaching is different because of the use of technology. Since in the next five years most college courses will be technology based, I feel I should prepare my kids for that challenge,” Martinez said.

By Amber Gentry