Julian Martinez
Julián Martínez is Professor of Spanish at Taft College and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Spanish from University of California, Santa Barbara. He was born in Blythe, California, but traveled throughout the state during his childhood. His parents were migrant workers, and they followed the crops. The crop season always started in the south in Blythe or Brawley, then the family moved up to Shafter. After a couple of months, his family would finish the season in Salinas, King City, or Coalinga. Then, they would return to México for a few months.
Martínez grew up speaking Spanish at home and in México, while speaking English at school. After graduating from Shafter High, he attended Bakersfield College and transferred to California State University, Bakersfield, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. He began teaching first grade in Wasco right away with an Emergency Credential. After a year, he was hired as a Spanish Teacher at Wasco High School.
While teaching at Wasco High, he earned his Master of Arts Degree in 2001, which is the same year he began teaching at Taft College. He has been married to Mariza Martínez for 25 years, and they have four children. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, riding his road bike, and listening to music. He loves baseball and the Los Angeles Dodgers.