YES Prep Southeast Elementary's Rosario Martinez has been named a 2024 Honeywell Robotics & Coding Hall of Fame Teacher, recognizing her dedication to STEM education and inspiring students through robotics and coding.
Honoring educators in STEM
For the third year, the Astros Foundation and Honeywell have partnered to honor educators excelling in STEM. This year’s honorees, including Martinez, were celebrated at a Houston Astros’ pregame ceremony on August 31. Honeywell, a key supporter of STEM education in Houston, partners with the Astros Foundation to host robotics camps for local students, who also showcase their skills at Astros games.
Martinez, a founding STEM teacher at Southeast Elementary since 2020, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“It is an honor to be seen and recognized for my work in STEM,” she said. “I’m proud of what my students have accomplished, and their passion continues to inspire me.”
Martinez’s impact in and beyond the classroom
Lance Mester, Managing Director of Elementary Programming at YES Prep, nominated Martinez, highlighting her impact both in and beyond the classroom.
“Rosario has created a model STEM lab and serves as a district curriculum writer and facilitator,” he shared. “Her partnership with the Children’s Museum of Houston and the Children’s Learning Institute has also brought after-school STEM programs to her campus.”
Martinez emphasized the importance of early STEM exposure, particularly in robotics and coding, to broaden students’ future career opportunities.
“By introducing students to these fields, we give them the tools to explore their passions and understand that their futures are full of choice.”
Martinez’s recognition reflects her dedication to shaping students’ futures and furthering YES Prep’s vision to deliver a college-ready education which includes STEM education.
About the Honeywell Robotics & Coding Hall of Fame
Honorees are recognized for their excellence in STEM, classroom innovation, leadership, and positive impact on students’ lives. Honeywell’s partnership with the Astros Foundation includes summer robotics camps, where students showcase their skills at Astros games. On August 31, 10 robotics and computer science teachers were honored for their contributions to inspiring Houston’s youth.