Mr. Yuban Martinez

Raised in Union City, CA, Mr. Martinez considers himself a local to the Bay Area. Graduating from James Logan High School, he earned a degree in Marine Biology at UC Santa Cruz. During his collegiate years, his passion for understanding “the science of life” pulled him into the classroom, often thinking back to how his favorite classes in his own childhood were all science related. Completing his credential at Cal State East Bay, Mr. Martinez has taught a variety of science courses including 8th grade Integrated Science, high school Biology, and high school Earth Science. He now immerses himself with the “cool” middle school students Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School teaching 6th grade science.

His favorite part of teaching has not just been teaching students to love and connect with science, but also to have the opportunity in guiding young people through their own learning and discovering. He often reflects back to how his teachers were the reason he wanted to step into education and it is the mentorship that he values and now instills in his own students. Enthusiastic, sarcastic with his humor, and approachable, Mr. Martinez wants his students to know how science is interwoven into their daily lives.

When Mr. Martinez is not teaching, he is out running with his wife and two dogs. He also enjoys drinking boba as often as he can, reading, and coaching sports like Cross Country and Track.