Maria Hernandez-Martinez is truly excited to serve Roberto Clemente Learning Academy as principal. She feels both honored and privileged to serve such an outstanding and dedicated group of students, highly qualified staff, and families. She decided to pursue her certification as a bilingual teacher. She spent 13 years in the classroom as an elementary bilingual teacher, teaching first grade at the Academy of the Americas in Southwest Detroit.  During all those years, she dedicated her time with students, staff and parents to help model, co-teach and carry out our district-wide initiatives, while earning her Master’s Degree as School Administrator. She served as Assistant Principal for multiple years. This is currently her 8th year as principal and she is excited to prepare your children for their upcoming formative years in middle school by helping to build a strong foundation that will ensure their growth and academic success. She looks forward to working with all our Clemente families, staff and partnerships to promote a productive and successful school year for everyone. She ensures that all stakeholders are respectful, responsible, safe and engaged!  Her priority is to provide a family-like atmosphere where learning is fun, kids feel safe, and families feel supported.