Hi, My Name Is Marty

Teacher, Digital Artist

Through the school year you’ll find me at the forward-thinking STEAM Academy in Lexington. At this special program school, I have the creative license to imagine and implement my own original curriculum, focused on the Humanities, writing, and the use of technology as a storytelling tool. In the off season (aka, Summer), I am building websites, shooting photo and video, and helping clients on the Gulf Coast build their brands.

CV

Education

University of the Cumberlands :: 2016

Master of Arts in Teaching English (GPA 3.9)

Focus on educational technology, methods, instructional design, and using data and evidence to inform teaching. My practicum experience was executed while at STEAM Academy.

Eastern Kentucky University :: 2012

Bachelor of Arts in University Studies (GPA 3.9)

Experience

2014 – Present :: STEAM Academy

English 1 – 4 / Journalism
Classroom Instructor

1. Facilitating and implementing classroom instruction in English disciplines.
2. Development of original, standards-aligned curriculum to be implemented in a problem-based, blended learning environment.
3. Develop digital classrooms through Canvas, ensuring that our English courses are 100% online.
4. Assess the accomplishment of students on a regular basis through formative and summative means, providing feedback and progress reports to students and stakeholders.
5. Carry out the district’s philosophy of instructional goals and outcomes, providing feedback as appropriate.
6. STEAM Journalism Instructor: Facilitate and support STEAM’s Podcast and Digital Print outlets in partnership with MEDIALex. Adviser and editor at www.steamacademynews.com.
7. STLP Coach 2018 – 2024

2006 – 2014 :: Lafayette High School

LBD Paraeducator / Head Tennis Coach

My Latest PBL Design

My latest PBL Design took the efforts of 17 other teachers, working across every content area in our building. Our community collaborations included the Mayor’s office, Lexington’s City Council, and countless civic, government, and education professionals at the top of their industries. Read more at the student-produced website below.

250LEX

Curriculum Design around Problems & Projects

In a research and development high school, I’ve had the unique privilege to develop original curriculum with incredible support from mentors like Dr. Lu Young, Dr. Justin Bathon, and other influential voices that are shaping tomorrow’s education spaces.

For the last 11 years I have been reimagining the school day for high schoolers, with a simple ethos in mind. My goal is to sharpen their ability to learn, have them question what they’ve learned, and transfer their conclusions into new spaces and applications. Sounds a bit grandiose, I know.

I won’t lie – there are days that all of this is the making of unicorns and fairie tales. But on other days, I tap into something that feels like we are actively leaning into the magic. And when it works, it is magical indeed.

Below is a quick timeline of my journey, which is continually evolving. As I approach the chapter of my career that is best defined as refinement – or coda – I can feel my craft reaching a higher fidelity. Less noise, and more depth. I hope that my strongest ideas are ringing out with a tonality and sustain that will last beyond the classroom. I’m probably being too metaphorical here. But I hope you follow.

Building on the habit of intentional collaboration, students begin to see not only their own strengths, but the strengths of others.

The STEAM habit of persistence builds the tools necessary for students to push beyond barriers, and find deeper meaning when they overcome obstacles.

Timeline

March 1, 2006

Into the Classroom

After a decade working in the Fortune 500 environment in the I/T sector, I make the nerve-racking but exciting move into education in search of deeper purpose. Having spent years in computer systems (software) and human resources (hiring software and hardware personnel), I set my sights on an English certification. My very first day at Lafayette High School was like winning the lottery. I had found what I was looking for.

March 1, 2006
January 1, 2014

Into a STEM Program

I leave the large, comprehensive high school and begin a journey that will forever change my trajectory. I do not know it at the time, but this move will re-define my approach to learning and pedagogy. It is in this moment that I begin to question the parts of the larger Ed landscape that need reconsideration.

January 1, 2014
March 1, 2017

Honing the Craft of PBL

Working with an incredible staff and partnering with passionate educators across the district, I am writing and executing project based learning experiences in my school. My PBLs are highlighted and published on KET.

March 1, 2017
January 1, 2019

Deeper Learning & Next Gen Work

Working with the University of Kentucky’s NextGen Cohort, I begin to take years of PBL practice and make sense of my experiences. What worked and what didn’t. I continue to craft new PBLs for STEAM, incorporating our community along the North Lime corridor of Lexington. I find that building partnerships with organizations like RadioLEX, Transylvania University, and Bluegrass Community Foundation take our learning experiences to an entirely new level.

January 1, 2019
February 8, 2026

Design & Implementation

I am currently teaching English 1 and Journalism at STEAM Academy. This feels like a season of refinement in my craft. My passion is teaching writing, media literacy, and incorporating the soft skills of collaboration, persistence, and critical thinking in a STEM environment. My focus on Community-infused curricula has grown deeper; I launch my most ambitious project ever: 250LEX.

February 8, 2026