Students don’t always wait for class to visit Ana Piattone De Martin.

Some arrive early to talk. Others spend their lunch in her classroom at Englewood High School. For Martin, who teaches Spanish for Spanish Speakers, those visits reflect a connection that extends beyond the lesson.

“Instead of hanging out outside, they come on here and and talk and feel at home,” Martin said. “It’s a familia.”

Originally from Argentina, Martin came to the United States with a law degree and a love for her culture. At Duval County Public Schools, she found an opportunity to share that background and help develop a curriculum for heritage and native Spanish speakers.

The class gives students a place to strengthen their Spanish, build confidence and celebrate the language and culture they bring to school.

Martin said she is grateful for the district’s support in bringing that curriculum to students. Her classroom has also become a gathering place where students know they have someone in their corner.

“We got each other,” she said.

That support carries into some of their most challenging moments. For students learning English, passing an English exam can represent a significant milestone. Martin celebrates those accomplishments with them, knowing how much effort it took to get there.

Those breakthroughs help explain why she returns to school each day with a smile.

“I love my job. I love my kids. I love what I do,” Martin said.

For her, the work is personal.

“It touches my soul,” she said. “I’m so grateful for this job.”

Find your Why Duval

Help students build confidence and discover what they can accomplish. Explore career opportunities with Team Duval at jobs.duvalschools.org.

Walk-in teacher interviews are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the DCPS District Office, 1701 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207.