Building Champions, One Word at a Time

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Something extraordinary is about to happen in Room 201A. 

Although, maybe the story should be that something extraordinary happens every day in Marisol's little classroom nook, but I’ll get to that in a second.  

Earlier today, I interviewed Marisol Martin (Doxology’s reading interventionist at South Hills Elementary). We talked about the progress her students are making and why she loves impacting their lives. When we wrapped our interview, I raced to pack our film gear before her students began filing back into the classroom. Marisol reminds me that she has Champions waiting.

And they are. You see, children who once saw themselves as struggling readers now walk proudly through her door, ready to tackle what Marisol calls, “the hard.” Which is to say, they've learned that their reading lessons extend beyond phonics and comprehension. In fact, they’re learning independence and resilience through reading. Even more, Marisol is teaching them to believe.

From Broken to Beautiful

None of this should be a surprise, however. Marisol's story begins with brokenness. Years ago, she questioned whether God could love someone like her. But through her husband Seth's patient love and God's unrelenting grace, she discovered that He specializes in using "broken vessels" for good.

"God showed me that I could give all of myself to my husband, my children, and my students, all within a good balance," Marisol reflects. This revelation transformed not only her approach to education but her entire reason for teaching. 

More Than Phonics and Fluency

So, when Marisol transitioned from classroom teaching to focused reading intervention, she began developing the Champion framework, a holistic approach to reading.  She says that "the Champion mentality all started as a way to get [her] students invested into the classroom while opening the door to harder, character-building conversations in their lives.” 

So far, her pivot is paying off. 

While common interventions focus solely on skill deficits, Marisol addresses the whole child, slowly building courage alongside consonant blends, perseverance next to phonemic awareness. "Being a Champion does not mean we have to BE the best, but it does mean that we have to TRY our best." Marisol explains. In a culture obsessed with comparison and performance, this distinction is a true departure from traditional education.

Light in Dark Places

To most people, hope might feel scarce. After all, she regularly encounters children who've been told, directly or indirectly, that they're not smart enough or not capable enough. But she sees the same infinite potential that God sees. The missing ingredient? Just a little belief.

Through patient instruction and unwavering belief, she watches transformation unfold as the third-grader who stumbled over simple sentences now races through chapter books with confidence. The student who whispered “this will be too hard” learns to declare “I can do hard things.” 

Hands and Feet

Marisol's presence at South Hills Elementary represents the kind of incarnational ministry fundamental to Doxology: the church being the church beyond Sunday mornings. 

“I truly do believe that God made us on purpose, for a purpose,” she says. “He has used me to be the mother to my children, to guide them towards Jesus. As well as placing me exactly where I am, in front of children and teaching them how to read in hopes that they will be able to broaden their imagination and information through reading.”

The Ripple Effect

Make no mistake, her impact extends far beyond test scores and reading levels (which have all improved). When Marisol teaches a child that they are capable, courageous, and worthy of never giving up, she's shaping the next generation's understanding of their identity and potential. These children will carry the Champion mindset into their futures, becoming lights in their own communities.

Her own daughters, Olivia Mae, April Rose, and Clara Elena, watch their mother live out her faith daily, learning that following Jesus means serving others unconditionally.

As our congregation continues to support Marisol's vital work at South Hills, it’s important to remember that we're not just investing in an out-of-the box reading program. Ultimately, we're investing in kingdom transformation, one child, one word, one Champion at a time.

Want to get involved at South Hills? Click here to learn about being a reading mentor.

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