The World is Her Classroom: Meet Spanish DLI Facilitator Lindsay Martinez

She’s been recognized as a top educator in Mexico, named an Honorary Citizen of Nebraska, and now she’s bringing the world right here to Castaic. Ms. Lindsay Martinez isn’t just teaching Spanish here at Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) Charter School, a tuition-free TK–12th grade school, she’s opening a window to the world.

Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at SCVi.

I have over 18 years of experience in education. I am a binational teacher from Mexico and the US, and I hold both a master’s degree and a doctorate in education.

Most of my teaching experience has taken place in my hometown of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, where I was honored to be recognized as one of the city’s top teachers.

In addition, I have experience in cultural exchange programs as a visiting and binational teacher. I have taught in the state of Nebraska, where I received the recognition of Honorary Citizen, as well as in Colorado, and I currently teach in California.

I joined SCVi in 2022 through the  Visiting Teachers Program and am grateful to be part of this learning community.

What are your favorite parts about your role at SCVi? 

My favorite part of my role is the connection and relationships I build with my students. I love seeing how much they enjoy being in class. They have fun, feel comfortable, and at the same time, they learn deeply and meaningfully.

What do you LOVE about SCVi? What sets it apart from other schools?

What I love most about SCVi is the professional freedom we are given as educators to design meaningful, engaging projects where students learn through hands-on, project-based experiences. These projects are not only fun, but also deeply enriching and purposeful for student learning.

I also value that SCVi offers a Spanish Dual Immersion Program, which allows students to be immersed in a different language, tradition, and culture. This cultural exposure greatly enriches the learning process and helps students develop a broader, global perspective.

Additionally, I truly appreciate the strong emphasis placed on social-emotional learning. SCVi is a genuinely inclusive school that thoughtfully supports students with diverse needs, ensuring that every learner feels seen, supported, and valued within the community.

Are you involved in other activities at SCVi?

Every Monday, I offer an extra tutoring class for students who want to strengthen their Spanish skills, as well as tutoring support in mathematics.

I am also in charge of the creation and editing of the school yearbook for the third consecutive year. This year marks my first time working on the yearbook for the Lower School, as I previously led the project at the Upper School level.

Some of the events I enjoy the most at SCVI are the Fall Festival, the Multicultural Festival, and Math Night. I would also like to highlight this year’s Winter Celebration, which I found especially meaningful.

There are great social-emotional learning activities and opportunities at SCVi. Can you share a story about seeing learners using them in action? 

One moment that stands out to me is seeing learners actively use social-emotional strategies during moments of challenge or frustration. I have witnessed students independently pause, name their emotions, and use calming strategies before continuing their work or resolving a conflict with a peer.

I have also seen learners support one another by offering kind words, encouragement, and empathy, especially during collaborative projects. These moments show that SEL at SCVi is not just something we teach, but something our learners genuinely practice and apply in real situations. As an educator, it is incredibly rewarding to see students grow not only academically, but also emotionally and socially.

Please give us a few examples of hands-on project-based learning in your classroom.

Examples of Hands-On Project-Based Learning in My Classroom:

Cultural Research Projects:

Students research Spanish-speaking countries and present their learning through interactive notebooks, passports, games, and Presentations of Learning (POL).

STEM and Science Integration:

Learners engage in hands-on science and engineering projects such as environmental investigations and aerospace model building, connecting academic Spanish to real-world applications.

Creative Cultural Projects:

Students design and build piñatas from scratch and participate in cultural crafts that develop creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills.

Performing Arts and Cultural Celebrations:

Learners take part in music, dance, and performance projects that celebrate Hispanic culture while building confidence, collaboration, and language fluency.

Social-Emotional and Community-Based Projects:

Students collaborate on projects such as anti-bullying campaigns, cultural rallies, and community celebrations that promote empathy, student voice, and meaningful learning.

Fun Facts About Ms. Lindsay:

*I have been an athlete my entire life and have practiced many sports, including gymnastics (the sport closest to my heart), volleyball, soccer, slow-pitch, frontenis, track and field, and flag football. I competed in gymnastics, frontenis and flag football at regional and national levels in Mexico, and today I play flag football just for fun.

*I am naturally enthusiastic, optimistic, and very sentimental. I truly enjoy celebrating life, whether it’s big milestones or the little everyday moments.

*I love traveling and discovering new places. I believe experiences are more valuable than things, and I enjoy learning about the world through culture, history, food, music, and dancing.

*I am very family-oriented and love spending time with friends and loved ones. Celebrations, gatherings, and meaningful connections are some of my favorite things.

*I have been married for 10 years and am a proud mom to a wonderful six-year-old daughter who inspires me every day and keeps life joyful and busy.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ms. Lindsay, our school is a richer place with you in it! Come take a tour and see our vibrant TK-12 in action: enrollment for 2026-27 is the next step and we’re to help you if you need it.

 

About SCVi:

Santa Clarita Valley International School (SCVi) is a free public charter school empowering TK-12th graders to become conscientious, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. Founded in 2008, we use project-based and social-emotional learning concepts to inspire and motivate lifelong learners with the skills they need to lead in the 21st century. We incorporate technology into every component of our curriculum, and we value and encourage development of leadership skills by inspiring confidence and character in each of our unique learners. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and find us at www.ileadsantaclarita.org.

Join our innovative school today!