Braden Pomerantz
After working in public relations for several years, I found my passion for education while teaching classes at UCLA. I graduated from UCLA with a master’s in political communication and Northwestern University with a bachelor’s in journalism and political science.
After graduating, I knew I wanted to work in education but didn’t want to be a traditional teacher. I would always get asked, “What does that mean?” to which I would reply, “I’m not sure yet!” That is, until I found Alpha, a sister school of GT School, where I worked at the Brownsville, Texas campus. This past August, I was thrilled to move to Austin to run GT School and help build a school specifically designed for gifted learners.
Since I was young, I’ve always loved academics — math was always my favorite — and consuming new knowledge, something I have in common with our students. I’ve also seen how that knowledge has helped shape the way that I think and my ability to problem solve, which is something I hope to instill in all of our students.
One of my great joys is public speaking, and I’ve been involved in various competitive public speaking activities for 12 years now. I spent eight years competing and have been coaching for four, including coaching the UCLA mock trial team to a national championship win in 2023. At GT School, I have the opportunity to lean into that expertise to teach students how to be excellent public speakers, preparing them not only to thrive in the classroom, but also outside of it.
Crystal Martel
My journey as an educator has been anything but conventional. I hold a degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario—a renowned institution consistently recognized as one of Canada’s top universities. While my formal studies span music and theatre, I’ve also developed a self-directed passion for chemical biology—especially in the context of food studies—and honed my skills in marketing and sales. This unique blend of experiences allows me to connect with diverse audiences and creatively communicate complex ideas, always staying true to my passion for education. Whether I’m in a hands-on STEM lab or an engaging arts setting, I’m constantly integrating rigorous academics with real-world applications.
At GT School, relationships and communication are at the heart of what we do. I believe that by treating students as the capable, resourceful individuals they are, we build a community where learning becomes a shared adventure. My goal is to create an environment where every student feels heard, supported, and motivated to explore new ideas and overcome challenges.
Outside the classroom, I’m a wife and a proud mother raising four amazing children, rooted in my small-town upbringing in Ontario, Canada. My family-oriented background has taught me the importance of connection, compassion, and resilience—qualities that I strive to nurture in every interaction with students, colleagues, and families. I’m excited to apply those qualities to the vibrant, innovative spirit of GT School!