Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/859531
H E N P E D R O M A R T I N E Z gives stu- d e n t s t h e i r m a r c h i n g o r d e r s , t h e boys and girls fall into formation and march across the campus of Hawthorne High School. Their uniforms are impeccably clean and pre ssed , th eir e xpre ssion s are s o l emn . When they skillfully toss and twirl their plas- tic rif les in the air, they catch them — in most cases without missing a beat. Martinez stands at the sidelines barking orders, wearing a Navy uniform and a proud expression. Martinez, 62, has been teaching Navy Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) classes for 14 years. He earned a special subject creden- tial to teach ROTC from CSU Long Beach. The former Navy man and UFW organizer is also active with his own union. He's vice president of the Centinela Valley Secondary Teachers Associ- ation and serves on CTA's State Council. His students learn much more than military skills. They make underwater robots that can move objects through an obstacle course and enter them in competitions. They learn map, compass and shipbuilding skills. They built a miniature replica of the aircraft carrier USS eodore Roosevelt and entered it in a Memorial Day parade. eir extracurricular activites include every- thing from entering ROTC competitions to studying cyber security, engaging in pellet Martinez tells his students, "You must have pride in your country, state, community, school and yourself." W Pride and Respect ROTC instructor Pedro Martinez instills both in his young charges By Sherry Posnick-Goodwin Photos by Scott Buschman 15 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 017 Perspectives M E M B E R S P O T L I G H T