Who is this Great Person?
My name is Direka Renee Martin. I am a native of Winston-Salem, NC. Presently I am a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying to be a school administrator in the MSA program.

Educational Background
After graduating from North Forsyth High in 1987, I attended Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, as a member of the first class of NC Teaching Fellows. During the summer of 1994, I attended the Capital Area Writing Project at NCSU. I hope to complete my other master's degree in Reading Education in the near future.

Work Related Experience
While working on my undergraduate degree, I spent the summers working as a camp counselor at the nationally known ASU Summer Science Camp for Gifted and Talented Students. During my junior year I worked as a math lab instructor in the ASU math department. After earning my undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University in 1991, I began teaching first grade at Apex G/T Magnet Elementary in Wake County. After teaching at Apex for a year I left to teach in Winston-Salem(92-93) and be near my father who was terminally ill. The next year I was back at Apex Elementary teaching first grade(93-94 and 94-95). I have taught for a total of four years. I have also worked as an Algebra I and II tutor.

Extracurricular Activities
During my last year at Apex I served as grade level chairperson and as the "Homework Clinic" coordinator for the Apex Educational Foundation. I traveled to three church sites to provide academic support for students in grades K - 10. I also have served on various school committees such as the steering committee(SB2), student support committee, hospitality committee, and the Administrative team. I served as an Apex NCAE building representative for two years.

Career Aspirations
After completing my degree in School Administration, I plan to serve as an Assistant Principal and then move into a Principalship. After achieving my Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction and becoming the North Carolina Principal of the Year, I plan to seek a Professorship at some prestigious university and write INTERESTING books that I will force my students to read.


Direka Martin
dmartin1@email.unc.edu