Program Chair and Senior Instructor
pronouns: he/him
Our mission of the Special Education and Autism program is to develop ethical and highly competent professionals who, together with individuals with exceptionalities and their families, work to enhance the quality of life through their advocacy, teaching, research and service.
Background
Dr. Martinez-Sierra was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He studied at the University of Puerto Rico for a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education, Minors in Drama, and Occupational Therapy. He has two Master’s Degrees. The first one is in Bilingual Special Education from Fordham University in New York City and the second one is in School Management and Supervision from Phoenix University, Puerto Rico Branch. He completed his Doctoral Degree in Special Education Management from Interamerican University in Puerto Rico.
Dr. Martinez-Sierra has 39 years of experience in the field of education in the areas of Business Education and Special Education in Puerto Rico, New York, and Illinois. At this moment, he is working as a Bilingual Special Education Teacher in the School District U-46 in Elgin, Illinois. Also, he has more than ten years of experience in the area of educational administration where has held positions as Director of Special Education, Director of the Business Education Department, School Principal, Assistant Director of a Post Secondary College, and Interim Superintendent for Correctional Juvenile Department. Dr. Martinez-Sierra has worked for Cambridge College since August 2007. He teaches more than 10 courses in the Special Education and Autism programs and he is the Program Chair for both programs.
Education & Certifications
- EdD Special Education Management, Interamerican University, Puerto Rico
- MA School Management and Supervision, University of Phoenix, Puerto Rico
- MA Bilingual Special Education, Fordham University, NYC
- BA Business Education, University of PR, Puerto Rico (Minos in theater and occupational therapy).
Courses Taught
- Collaboration and Consultation Techniques
- Theories of Typical and Atypical Human Development
- Inclusion and Classroom Behavior Management
- Psycho-Educational Assessment for Teaching Exceptional Students
- Autism: History, Prevalence, Diagnosis and Characteristics
- Assessment and Appraisal Process -ASD
- Communication Disorders - ASD
- Social and Psychological Perspectives in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Teaching and Curriculum Development/Students with Severe Disabilities