CDE Field Trips - 9/10/25: Celebrating Martha Gomez: Teaching From the Heart

For more than 26 years, Martha Gomez has dedicated her life to education, helping students see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. Today, she teaches middle school social studies in Spanish at Place Bridge Academy in Denver Public Schools, where she has been a proud member of the school community for the past two years.

Martha grew up in Colombia and always dreamed of using her love of languages to give back to her community. She earned her degree in Bogotá and began her career there before moving to the United States through an international teacher exchange program. That opportunity eventually brought her to Colorado, where she first taught English as a Second Language for nearly a decade before shifting into her current role teaching social studies in Spanish.

For Martha, teaching is far more than a career—it’s a calling. She believes deeply in the importance of students seeing themselves in their teachers. “It’s crucial they have that connection and see someone like them as a role model,” she said. “Sometimes students feel they may not have opportunities here in the U.S., but when I share my story, they can hopefully pursue whatever dreams they have.”

Her bilingual classroom gives students space to express their thoughts and feelings in their home language while they continue building their English skills in other subjects. “When students feel confident sharing their opinions in Spanish, their ideas are valued and important—that is wonderful to see,” Martha said.

Though teaching is never easy, Martha finds joy and purpose in the work every day. “This is one of the most beautiful professions,” she reflected. “You get to change students’ lives. Teaching in my own language is so rewarding because I can connect with students and motivate them, both academically and emotionally. They go through so many challenges—especially immigrant students—and I feel I can truly understand and support them.”

After more than two decades in the classroom, Martha says she is more motivated than ever. “I’m not tired of teaching. In fact, this has been my best year yet.”