LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jason Martin was nominated by his spouse, Hannah Martin.

Mr. Martin has the unique role of teaching one AP Calculus class and two theater classes each day. His theater classes perform class plays for the other schools in his county each year. He makes sure to include elementary and middle schools so those students can experience live shows, as many of them never will.  Twice a year, Mr. Martin holds open auditions for any student who would like to try out, whether they're in his classroom or not. He holds two plays outside of school for public performances.  One is a one-act competition play in the fall, and the other is a full play in the spring.  Both of these plays require four-hour practices, four days a week, for approximately six weeks.  This is all done after school.  This is 16 hours a week outside of the normal school day.

The WCHS Drama Department runs on no extra funding.  The only money they make is on ticket sales.  From those sales, sets must be built, costumes ordered, etc.  Mr. Martin works tirelessly and builds many things himself to save money and make it happen for the students.

"At the end of the spring performance, he holds a cast party where the seniors of the program get to say a final goodbye to the group," said Mrs. Martin. "After witnessing one of these emotional cast parties, I finally understood the impact he was making.  So many of the students spoke of his influence on their lives.  Many of them do not have father-figures at home and see Mr. Martin in that role.  Many of them feel like the drama department is a second family to them. These students stay in touch after years of being gone from high school."

Mr Martin is certified as a judge for competition plays, hosting the region's one-act competition and volunteering to judge other region's plays.  Colleagues in the theater group complement his organization each year he hosts.  They have often stated it is the most well-run competition they have ever attended.

As for his calculus classes, he comes in early each morning to tutor any student who may need assistance. Every year, at least one student or parent thanks him for his excellence in teaching AP Calculus. Students go off to college, do very well in their math class, and write back thanking him because of the foundation he laid in high school.  Over the years, he has received many letters of thanks from students and parents.  He keeps them all in a folder, which he calls "Why I Teach" so he can reference them whenever he begins to doubt.

Outside of school, Mr. Martin teaches Sunday School and small group services at his church.

"I am proud of his dedication and hard work to this profession and his community," said Mrs. Martin. "Students and colleagues respect him and his integrity.  Everything he does, he completes with excellence.  Teaching is truly his calling."