The students have spoken and wanted to hear from Mrs. Martin this month! Mrs. Martin married her high school sweetheart (Music Teacher Mr. Matt Martin!) and they work together here at PVMS. They have a daughter and one on the way this summer. Read more about Mrs. Martin's story below !
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. HS? College? How'd you meet your husband? Etc!
I graduated from Pennsgrove HS in 2007. During my time in high school, I was in the marching band, student council, NHS, and participated in the musicals!
After High School, I went to SCC and earned my associate's degree in mathematics. I then continued my education at Rowan University where I received a BA in Mathematics and a BA in Education.
I met Mr. Martin when we were in high school (in 2003!!). We got married in 2015 and had our daughter in 2019! We are expecting to have a boy this August and we are very excited!
Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?
I really did not enjoy middle school. I wanted to teach middle school so that I could try to help students have a better middle school experience than I did! Some of my teachers are the only good parts I remember from middle school and I wanted to hopefully be that for some of my students! I chose math because I loved it!
Q. Describe your path to a teaching career?
While I was still in college I did my student teaching at Pennsville middle school for the first half of the school year. When I was done with my student teaching I was immediately hired as a long-term substitute and the following year I was hired in a full-time position! I have been in Pennsville since 2011!
Q: Did your background/where you grew up influence your teaching style? If so, how?
As a Penns Grove graduate, it definitely felt weird starting my career at a school here in Pennsville. We were big-time rivals when I was in school. I was trained to root against Pennsville, so when it came to sports, it took a few years before it felt normal rooting FOR the Eagles. But now, I’m fully behind our Pennsville students when we compete. Growing up one town over definitely helped when I first started my career. I was already familiar with the town and had many friends from PV. I didn’t feel like an outsider at all.
Q: What are you most proud of in your teaching career?
I am most proud when a former student comes to visit or sends me an email to thank me. It is nice to know that I made an impact no matter how small.
Q. What is your favorite teaching story?
My favorite teaching story is bringing students to the math showcase each year. It is a fun day where we get to have some friendly competition with other schools in the county and show off our amazing math skills!
Q: What lessons have you learned as a teacher?
As a teacher, I have learned how truly different we all are. No two people learn the same way or at the same pace. I have had to learn to adapt and try to teach each individual student on their level. I think this applies to many different things in life. If we can all accept our differences we can truly make the world better!
Q: From your experience, what are a teacher’s strongest qualities?
I think the strongest qualities a teacher can have are patience and approachability. These qualities will help students feel comfortable asking for help when needed. I also think being enthusiastic about what you teach is very important. If you aren’t excited about the subject why would your students be?
Q: What do you love about teaching in Pennsville? Anything else for us??
I think my favorite thing about teaching in Pennsville is that it is a small-town school. Since I went to Penns Grove, which is also a small school, it is familiar. I enjoy getting to know everyone I work with and almost all of the students even if I did not teach them directly.
Thanks to Mrs. Martin for taking the time out for this interview. We will have one more for this school year