Dr. Martha I. Martinez brings over 20 years of expertise in advancing policies and programs that enhance educational outcomes for underserved students. As the Head of Research and Evaluation for SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language), Dr. Martinez leads initiatives focused on improving the educational experiences of multilingual learners. This includes overseeing all research activities associated with SEAL’s professional development programs serving PK-6 educators, ensuring SEAL’s work is enhancing teacher efficacy with multilingual learners and improving student achievement. Dr. Martinez also serves on key advisory panels, including California’s Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel and Universal Pre-K Research Design Team, contributing to statewide efforts that improve literacy and early education. Prior to SEAL, she led dual language initiatives at the Oregon Department of Education and contributed to the development of ELPA21, the English language proficiency assessment system used by Oregon and several other states. Dr. Martinez holds a Ph.D. in Educational Methodology, Policy, and Leadership from the University of Oregon.