Novato Teacher Honored

NOVATO, CA — Tom Martin traded money for fulfillment, and all indications are that the career move paid off.

Martin, who gave up a career in finance and accounting to become an educator, received a prestigious honor this week.

The Loma Verde Elementary School educator was named the 2022 Marin County Teacher of the Year.

Martin who is entering his 10th year as a kindergarten teacher, was selected by his peers for the award Thursday at a back-to-school event.

“The responsibility of helping to shape the minds of our youngest students to become lifelong learners and the best citizens they can become is something that guides (Martin) each day,” the Novato Unified School District said in a statement.

Martin said in a statement this his “philosophy in teaching includes meeting students where they are when they arrive, teach them that they matter, that they have someone who believes in them and to believe in themselves, and teaching them to love to learn.”

Interim NUSD Superintendent Jan LaTorre-Derby said the district “could not have been more fortunate to have Tom join the team at Loma Verde Elementary School.”

The Marin County Office of Education has submitted Mr. Martin’s nomination for consideration at the State level.

Martin has established himself as a skillful, confident, and student-centered instructional leader among his colleagues.

“Tom is an exceptional teacher and indispensable member of our school community, committed to examining systems and to change, adapt and improve his own practice as well as educational systems at large to increase positive outcomes for students,” Loma Verde Principal Tehniat Cheema said in a statement.

The Teacher of the Year program annually recognizes those teachers that are deemed exemplary, demonstrate leadership, innovation, and contributions to education.

The Marin County Teacher of the Year formal recognition will take place at the annual Golden Bell Awards ceremony which is scheduled for May 2022.