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Rene Martinez, Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorCurriculum & Instruction Program Director

Rene Martinez, Ph.D.

Bio

Dr. Rene Martinez is an assistant professor and program director at the Graduate School of Education at Regent University. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on English Language Arts, from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her academic background also includes a Master of Urban Education: Administration and Supervision and a Bachelor of Elementary Education/English from The College of New Jersey.

With extensive experience in K-12 education and higher education, Dr. Martinez has served in various roles, including as a secondary English coordinator, literacy coach, assistant principal and English teacher. She has worked with diverse student populations, focusing on curriculum design, literacy instruction, and teacher preparation. At Regent University, Dr. Martinez teaches courses in literacy, curriculum design, and assessment, preparing future educators for the classroom.

Teaching and Research Interests

Dr. Martinez’s teaching interests include literacy instruction, curriculum development, teacher preparation, and education leadership. She is particularly passionate about creating student-centered learning environments that promote critical thinking and literacy development. Her research interests focus on teacher-student relationships, evidence-based literacy practices, and curriculum design. Dr. Martinez is committed to examining how instructional strategies and teacher-student interactions impact student achievement and teacher efficacy.

Publications

Dr. Martinez has contributed to several peer-reviewed journal articles, including:

  • Martinez, R. & Wighting, M. (2024). Cultivating positive student-teacher relationships: Effects of tailored positive behavior support interventions on classroom discipline. Athens Journal of Education, 11: 1-13
  • Martinez, R. & Wighting, M. (2022). Teacher-Student Relationships: Impacts of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Athens Journal of Education, 10: 1-14.
  • Martinez, R., & Wighting, M. (2021). Teacher preparation strategies: Do best practices work in the field? International Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 8(4), 63-74.
  • Martinez, R. (June 2014). School-Based change in the era of high accountability and low teacher autonomy. The International Journal of Educational Organization and Leadership.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Martinez is a member of several professional organizations, including:

  • National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
  • Virginia ASCD, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
  • American Educational Research Association (AERA)

Other Professional Details

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Martinez has led curriculum development initiatives, mentored student teachers, and served as a literacy coach. Her professional experiences span across various educational contexts, including public schools, charter schools, and private institutions.