LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Marty Dexter's nominator would like to remain anonymous.

While attending high school, Mr. Dexter worked almost 40 hours a week outside of school to help support his family. He had little time to imagine what he wanted to be or achieve for his future.  When he graduated, he began taking a few night courses every semester and continued for many years. He has spent most of his career as a salesman during the day and as a student at night. Through hard work and perseverance, he was able to graduate with his degree in teaching.  This has shown his own children that through hard work, you can achieve what you want, no matter what obstacles are placed in front of you.

Although he graduated with a major in science education, he learned through substitute teaching that he was drawn to helping special education classes students.  He quickly decided he needed to be certified in special education, where he found his true joy!  

Most teachers make a difference in the lives of students, but Mr. Dexter undoubtedly takes it several steps further.  His students are with him for all four years of their high school career, and they become his own children very quickly!  He teaches them life skills beyond the classroom.  He also teaches them about how to be a kind person through his own example. His are mentored all the way into adulthood. As you can imagine, this makes graduation day very emotional.

Mr. Dexter came up with the idea to create a school-wide coffee shop that is mostly student-led.  It has been a huge success.  Through this project, he is teaching his students job skills, financial skills, and customer service guidelines that can be used in the real world.  The coffee shop has become very popular and draws quite a crowd.  Long lines of students and staff fill the hall. This creates a buzz of excitement through the school's hallways on the days they are open for business. The biggest gain is that his students absolutely love working in the coffee shop; they're learning how to meet new people and offer them a service. It's a win-win all around.

Mr. Dexter also acts as a mentor to the other special education teachers who work with him.  He is a shining example of how to be an exemplary teacher.  He is always more than willing to lend them a hand or offer a sounding board when their jobs get tough.  These new teachers know his advice is from a good place, which builds a trust that is unmatched. 

The most valuable asset Mr. Dexter has is the rapport he has with all students, not just his own.  He is a gentle giant who isn't afraid to show students he loves them.  His students know he is always there for them in whatever way they may need.  He has also become a good role model for his high school peer helpers, who come in to assist him with his classes.  They often contact him after graduation to ask how he and his students are doing.  He models how his students should be cared for, and in turn, high school students are gaining a valuable education on how to treat others who may be different than them.  

Anyone who comes in contact with Mr. Dexter is sure to be blessed.  He always has a smile on his face and an attitude of joy that is hard to not want to replicate yourself.  He has a heart for serving others, especially the ones who may need him the most. In his kind and gentle way, he makes the halls of Lone Oak High School a better place to be.