Erika Martin
Hamilton County school teacher Erika Martin, a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, is one of 46 public school educators nationwide to receive the California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence by the National Education Association Foundation.
Named after the California Casualty Insurance Co., the award recognizes educators based on their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity and advocacy for fellow educators.
“It was an honor and a pleasure to be recognized by others for the work I love to do,” Martin said. “Being a classroom teacher and now an instructional coach continues to provide opportunities to work toward positive changes in education for all students. That is what motivates me daily,” Martin said.
She graduated from UTC with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in 2012 and a master in education in 2016.
“My time at UTC during my undergrad and especially during my graduate studies really helped me build a strong foundation,” she said. “That foundation, coupled with my experience, has molded me into the educator I am.”
She has taught in the Hamilton County School System for about nine years, the last two as an instructional coach at East Side Elementary School. Prior to that, she spent about seven years teaching in East Side, Orchard Knob Elementary, Calvin Donaldson Elementary and East Brainerd Elementary.
“Mrs. Martin is an exemplary educator, and we are proud to have her serve in Hamilton County Schools,” Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson said. “Her role as an instructional coach positions her well to influence and develop excellent teachers across our district. Our team is committed to recruiting and developing great teachers and leaders, and this prestigious, national recognition of one of our educators reaffirms our work.”
She also blogs about education strategies and issues at Martin Teaching.
