Carmen Martinez-Johnston

Carmen Martinez-Johnston is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Division Strategist for the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College , with over 25 years of experience in K–12 and higher education. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology (San Diego State University,1997) and a master’s degree in counseling–human relations (Northern Arizona State University, 2007). Her academic and professional focus centers on child and adolescent development, educational psychology, and the social-emotional needs of students and educators.

Carmen began her career as a high school health educator, where she taught for 13 years and served as a prevention coordinator, club advisor and athletic coach. She transitioned full time to higher education in 2014, where she has taught a range of foundational courses for pre-service teachers, including child development, learning theory, and culturally responsive teaching. Carmen is deeply committed to preparing future educators to lead with empathy, inclusivity, and professional integrity.

Her service work includes mentoring first-year college students, leading the professional educator series courses, and serving on advisory councils for local school districts. Carmen is also actively engaged in ASU’s Principled Innovation framework and is a strong advocate for social-emotional learning, equity, and trauma-informed educational practices.

Through both teaching and community engagement, Carmen’s work centers on empowering students to become reflective, compassionate, and socially conscious educators.