About MeLinda Martin, M.Ed
|
|
Let's see....How did I get here? Well, way back when, I attended Hartt School of Music where I was working towards a Vocal Performance and Music Education degree. Life happened (marriage, family, etc.), but I finally completed my education program in 2005,graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and Communications. I couldn't get enough of school. Two years later, I received my Masters degree (with honors) in Education with a Specialization in Technology in the Classroom. I also became a certified teacher in New Jersey for preschool through 8th grade. I have always had an affinity for new technologies.
In 2007, the education job market in NJ was tough, and the only offer that came along was a technology teacher position at the St. Frances Cabrini School in Piscataway. I could have never guessed that this would become my teaching specialty. Unfortunately the school was forced to close two years later.
The following year, I became the technology coordinator and teacher at St. Helena School in Edison. I also managed the IT and Technology training as well as the websites for both the church and the school. I could also be found directing the school plays and coaching a FIRST Robotics team. After 10 years I decided I needed a challenge. I became a technology integration specialist at the Staten Island Academy where I taught computer science concepts as well as design thinking and MakerSpace skills to students in Prek3 to Grade 8. After many years teaching CS, I was finally offered a position to teach 4th grade science in a title 1 charter school in Paterson, which also includes 4-5 weeks of MakerSpace. I also continued to share my expertise providing PD to teachers on tech integration as well as running a girls coding club which is part of the Girls Who Code program. In 2023-24, I continued the coding club, but also implemented a theater arts after school program at the school, producing the school's first short play in the spring. In August, 2024, I started my new position closer to home at a small charter elementary school.
I am a member Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, The Kappa Delta Phi Education Honor Society, New Jersey Technology and Engineering Educators of America, ASCD, ISTE, Global Education Collaborative, GEC and the International Technology Educators of America. I am also currently a member of CSTA and NSTA.
When I am not on the computer, providing professional development workshops or teaching class, I enjoy spending time with my family (husband, daughter and son and now granddaughter), traveling and singing. I also enjoy GF baking, cooking and cake decorating, skills I have shared with my students in after-school and summer programs. I also have a GF Food Blog where I share my Gluten Free recipes that were created by experimenting with different grains.
My Mission Statement
I believe a child's development should be nurtured in a caring environment that also encourages creativity and learning. Children should be nourished physically, psychologically and socially through interactions with the world around them. They should be encouraged to explore new ideas and concepts and to work out problems on their own with the guidance of the teacher. It is my responsibility, as a teacher, to give students the tools they will need to be successful in their education as well as the desire to be lifelong learners.
Each student is a unique individual and has something to offer to the world. The classroom environment should be a community where the child is given the opportunity to share and grow with others. It is within this environment that children will gain this love of learning and reach their greatest potential.
I also believe that learning never ends and I am always open to the challenge of new concepts and ideas. And through my passion for learning and the subject that I teach, I hope to encourage my students to feel that same excitement for learning. For it is only through this that I can become an exceptional teacher.
Copyright 2024, Linda Martin. All Rights Reserved.
In 2007, the education job market in NJ was tough, and the only offer that came along was a technology teacher position at the St. Frances Cabrini School in Piscataway. I could have never guessed that this would become my teaching specialty. Unfortunately the school was forced to close two years later.
The following year, I became the technology coordinator and teacher at St. Helena School in Edison. I also managed the IT and Technology training as well as the websites for both the church and the school. I could also be found directing the school plays and coaching a FIRST Robotics team. After 10 years I decided I needed a challenge. I became a technology integration specialist at the Staten Island Academy where I taught computer science concepts as well as design thinking and MakerSpace skills to students in Prek3 to Grade 8. After many years teaching CS, I was finally offered a position to teach 4th grade science in a title 1 charter school in Paterson, which also includes 4-5 weeks of MakerSpace. I also continued to share my expertise providing PD to teachers on tech integration as well as running a girls coding club which is part of the Girls Who Code program. In 2023-24, I continued the coding club, but also implemented a theater arts after school program at the school, producing the school's first short play in the spring. In August, 2024, I started my new position closer to home at a small charter elementary school.
I am a member Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, The Kappa Delta Phi Education Honor Society, New Jersey Technology and Engineering Educators of America, ASCD, ISTE, Global Education Collaborative, GEC and the International Technology Educators of America. I am also currently a member of CSTA and NSTA.
When I am not on the computer, providing professional development workshops or teaching class, I enjoy spending time with my family (husband, daughter and son and now granddaughter), traveling and singing. I also enjoy GF baking, cooking and cake decorating, skills I have shared with my students in after-school and summer programs. I also have a GF Food Blog where I share my Gluten Free recipes that were created by experimenting with different grains.
My Mission Statement
I believe a child's development should be nurtured in a caring environment that also encourages creativity and learning. Children should be nourished physically, psychologically and socially through interactions with the world around them. They should be encouraged to explore new ideas and concepts and to work out problems on their own with the guidance of the teacher. It is my responsibility, as a teacher, to give students the tools they will need to be successful in their education as well as the desire to be lifelong learners.
Each student is a unique individual and has something to offer to the world. The classroom environment should be a community where the child is given the opportunity to share and grow with others. It is within this environment that children will gain this love of learning and reach their greatest potential.
I also believe that learning never ends and I am always open to the challenge of new concepts and ideas. And through my passion for learning and the subject that I teach, I hope to encourage my students to feel that same excitement for learning. For it is only through this that I can become an exceptional teacher.
Copyright 2024, Linda Martin. All Rights Reserved.