Special Education Scholarship
Martinez Foundation Fellowship
Edgar and Holli Martinez established the Martinez Foundation to promote diversity in the classroom for the benefit of students, teachers and ultimately the community. The Foundation will provide funding for teacher preparation at both the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as ongoing professional development. The Martinez Foundation has selected three universities, Seattle University, University of Washington and Washington State University, as partners in developing the Martinez Fellows Program.
The Martinez Foundation has provided support for one $5,000 scholarship available to teachers of color in the Special Education graduate degree program.
Students who receive the Martinez Foundation Fellowship agree to:
A. Work as an educator in a Washington State public school with K-12 students, for at least 3 years, preferably longer. If the educator does not teach for a minimum of 3 years, s/he will pay the scholarship back in its entirety.
B. Work as an educator in a Washington State public school, in a high-need area, K-12. Fellows will help children in need and focus on closing the achievement gap. High need subject areas are special education, math, and science. High need schools are those with free and reduced lunch of 50% or greater.
C. Attend and participate in the annual Martinez Foundation Fellows retreat. For first year Fellows, attendance is mandatory; however, attendance in the second year and beyond is voluntary. The foundation would greatly appreciate attendance in subsequent years.
D. Participate in foundation surveys and/or research inquiries to help the Foundation learn more about teacher education, teacher effectiveness, and how to shape the Fellowship program to recruit and retain future students.
E. Participate in seminars, occurring 4-6 times a year, on Saturdays spread over the school year.
F. Participate as a mentor for current Martinez Foundation Fellows after being established by teaching in the workplace for at least 2 years.
G. Give permission to the Foundation to promote them as award recipients with their name and biography on Martinez Foundation and College of Education website, press releases, print brochures, and by introducing them at events to which awardees are invited and available to attend.
H. Give permission to the Martinez Foundation film them during the program, as deemed appropriate, for educational/promotional videos and allow such videos to be available on the Foundation and College website.
I. Meet with Edgar and Holli Martinez (and occasionally, other Foundation supporters) to share the teacher education experience and express appreciation to the Fellowship donors. Often the foundation will host events or gatherings where donors are interested in meeting Martinez Fellows and learning more about their focus and direction in the public school system.
Martinez Foundation Scholarship Awards
Purpose of the Award: To recognize outstanding teachers of color who demonstrate potential to provide leadership in special education and who would be unable to complete the Special Education master’s degree program in the College of Education at Seattle University without financial support.
Criteria for Selection:
1. Compatibility with the mission of the College of Education: "Preparing ethical and reflective professionals for quality service in diverse communities"
2. Evidence of excellence in teaching practices, scholarship, and/or leadership in special education.
3. Evidence of membership in an under-represented group and evidence of financial need.
If you believe you are eligible for this scholarship, please submit your application by AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We will review applications immediately and make recommendations to the Dean of the College of Education.
How to Apply:
Mail scholarship application materials to Cinda Johnson, Special Education Program Director, College of Education, Seattle University, College of Education, Seattle University, 901 12th Avenue, PO Box 222000, Seattle, WA 98122.
All scholarship applicants must send in the following:
Scholarship Application and Statement of Financial Need
A copy of the first page of last year’s income tax return.
A statement discussing your professional goals, accomplishments, and leadership in relation to the mission of the College of Education. In addition, explain how you plan to contribute to the success of all learners with disabilities in a global and pluralistic society. Please type or word process your response. (Two pages maximum, double-spaced.)
(Optional) You may include a separate page describing your financial situation or any special circumstances that you would like the SPED Program to consider in evaluating your need for financial assistance.
The Seattle University College of Education and the Special Education, Literacy for Special Needs, and MIT programs are honored to be part of this exciting new Fellowship Program. We will work with the Martinez Foundation, University of Washington and Washington State University to develop ongoing professional development opportunities for the Martinez Fellows, and we look forward to the outstanding contributions the Fellows will make to the students and schools that they serve.