Tony Martinez, the Career Technical Education (CTE)
Residential and Commercial Construction
pathway teacher at Patriot High School recalled how a former senior in his class went from being disinterested in construction to building a shed with his grandfather.
“We were building walls for a shed… it must have sparked an interest in him. So on a weekend, his grandpa was wanting to go buy a toolshed at Home Depot or Lowe’s and he (the student) told his grandpa, ‘I’ve learned how to build a shed in my construction class at school, let's do it together’ and his grandpa didn’t believe him. He convinced his grandpa, they went to the hardware store, bought the material, and they built a shed between the two of them...his grandpa was so proud of him. That right there really inspires me to work hard and make sure that my students are engaged, and most importantly that they leave my program having learned how to do things like that. It’s really rewarding” Mr. Martinez said.
Mr. Martinez has an extensive career with Jurupa Unified School District, having worked for the school district for 26 years in various roles: grounds substitute, equipment operator, maintenance employee, and maintenance supervisor. Mr. Martinez retired from his maintenance supervisor role to obtain the Riverside County of Education’s (RCOE) credential to teach
Residential and Commercial Construction at Patriot High School.
Students appreciate the efforts made by Mr. Martinez. Applying lessons from the classroom to an outdoor work area and using a hands-on approach with tools has given students the confidence to take on intricate projects.
“I chose this pathway mainly to extend my knowledge in construction and get a better perspective on how to use tools, how to build anything in general,” said Isabel Curiel, a junior at Patriot High School. Isabel is in her second year in the
Residential & Commercial Construction pathway. “I get to learn a lot about how to handle tools, how to wear the proper PPE, which is personal protective equipment, and how to… work as a group,” Isabel said.
“I chose this pathway because I thought it would help me in life,” said Patriot High junior Christopher Garcia. He would like to go on and become a mechanic or construction worker after high school. “If I move (into a home) and there is a slight problem that is easy to fix, I can fix it myself without wasting any money,” Christopher said.
The construction pathway is comprised of two classes:
construction technology I and II.
Students in the advanced class build doghouses and tool sheds, learn how to use the laser level, and how to level the ground for a concrete foundation.
“In my advanced class; I’ll teach them (the students) the basic electrical; how to switch an outlet or wall plug… plumbing… (and) how to install a faucet, like a kitchen or a bathroom faucet; how to install a garbage disposal, and so forth… so, a little bit of everything.”
Mr. Martinez has strategically taught students the skills to pursue a trade. He also encourages students who plan to attend college.
“If they are a two-year pathway completer… they get an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification card of safety, and they get a certificate for completion… they get a construction cord, CTE cord, to wear at graduation.” Mr. Martinez said.
Students get excited about receiving their CTE cords and feel accomplished when they complete the pathway. Mr. Martinez hopes to extend the program by adding a third class where he would like to build a tiny house on a trailer with the students.
“If you ever join construction, I guarantee you, it's going to be a very fun class,” Isabel said.
