Martinez, who has been actively involved with NCAE since her first full year of teaching, knew early in her college career she wanted to become an educator. "Once I began working in the schools, I enjoyed helping students grasp a concept that was new. I also recalled former teachers that were a great influence on my life."
As an assistant principal, some of Martinez's greatest moments have been having the children know they matter and that she cares about them. "I want to help every child be the best that they can be and to dream big. Every child should be given every opportunity available and also be exposed to all the options they have in today's world."
"It has been my pleasure to work with Debi since she came to East Bend as an assistant principal. She is dedicated, works unbelievable hours, puts children first and still manages to maintain a healthy sense of humor and find a bright spot in everything," commented colleague Resa Brewington, exceptional children's teacher at East Bend.
Martinez has taught at Ashley Middle School and Hanes Academic Academy in Winston-Salem and Southeast Middle School in Kernersville. She served as assistant principal at Fall Creek Elementary in East Bend prior to going to East Bend Elementary. She has been a NCAE association representative for 15 years and is currently the local Yadkin County Association of Educators vice president. She has also been a member of the Board of Directors for the NCAE Principal and Administrators Division for the past three years.
She earned her undergraduate degree at Wake Forest University and graduate degrees from Garner-Webb University.
The award was presented at the annual NCAE Awards Banquet on Thursday, March 13, at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux in Fayetteville. The banquet is part of the Association's state convention, held March 13-15 at the Crown Exhibition Center.
NCAE is the state's largest education organization, representing more than 65,000 active, retired and student members.
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