Drew Downey

Mr. Ratcliffe preparing for a great day with his students.

CFMS welcomed a new staff member to the ever-growing team of excellent teachers at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Marty Ratcliffe is a new intervention specialist.

Somebody who teaches intervention helps students who need a little extra push in the right direction, but somebody who teaches interventions does not just specialize in a subject.

Ratcliffe said, “I help with their math, with being organized, with managing their emotions and feelings.” Ratcliffe wants to do right by those who need help by giving them the motivation they need to succeed.

Ratcliffe grew up on the west side of Cleveland and later went on to study at the Ursuline College for special education. Since then, Mr. Ratcliffe has gone on to teach for two years and spent three and a half years as an intense interventions resource room aide. Along with that, Ratcliffe also has substituted and volunteered at his children’s school.

Outside of school, Ratcliffe takes joy in family, lacrosse, boating, going to concerts, and yard work. Ratcliffe talked about his experience in school and his motivations for becoming a teacher: “I was not a good student, hated school, and got in a lot of trouble in grade school through high school. I had a few good teachers that did not give up on me. I wanted to pass that along.”

“What stood out to me when interviewing was his ability to work with people. He has a really thoughtful way of making everyone feel good,” said Middle School Principal Mrs. Laila Discenza, who hired Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe works with the other math teachers such as Mrs. Janson, the 7th grade Common Core math teacher. “He is fun to work with and really loves his students,” said Janson.

Ms. Martorello, the 8th grade teacher for Common Core and Algebra 1 math said, “[Mr. Ratcliffe] goes above and beyond for students and has been a great new addition to the team.”

Along with a degree in special education, Ratcliffe also went to school for finance and management at University of Toledo as an undergraduate. Ratcliffe stated his favorite part about teaching was the “aha!” moment, or when a student finally understands what’s being asked. He also stated, “Every kid is unique and learns in their own ways.”

When asked, Ratcliffe said he’d tell his middle school self to, “Keep trying, don’t give up. Things from the 1980s will be valuable in 2023. Don’t get rid of your freestyle bike and skateboards…” Ratcliffe hopes to instill hope and life skills into the people he teaches, which is an admirable trait for anybody to have.