It’s a new school year, and we’re excited to catch up with our teachers! Let’s check in with Mr. Tony Martin, high school history teacher and supervisor to the high school faculty. 

With over a decade of teaching experience, Mr. Martin joined Calais four years ago, initially teaching Technology & Robotics before transitioning to high school History. Passionate about the past, particularly European history, he is drawn to its drama and intrigue. Reflecting on why he chose to teach history, Mr. Martin reveals, “When I teach history to our students, I tell them it’s a story—and they are part of that story. History has shaped where we are today and offers students a deeper understanding of the world around them.”

In the classroom, Mr. Martin fosters an environment of open discourse, empowering his students to express themselves freely. He is fascinated by their thoughts and encourages active conversation, listening to others, and critical thinking. His daily message to students mirrors the Calais mission: nothing is impossible—mountains can be crossed, and rivers can be bridged. Every student’s ideas and perspectives are valued.

Mr. Martin brings history to life with visually engaging, colorful displays and student artwork that relate to current lessons. He has even collaborated with Ms. Orna’s art class to create sensory, hands-on experiences to further enrich his students’ learning.

Mr. Martin is widely appreciated for his kindness, approachability, and willingness to assist colleagues. Ms. Mata, one of his colleagues, praises him, saying, “His kindness and encouragement are immeasurable. He’s always there to lend a helping hand whenever we need it.”

Looking to the future, Mr. Martin is excited about continuing to grow and explore new learning opportunities for his students. He leaves us with a final thought about working at Calais: “We are a therapeutic school and our goal is to empower students… We work with the special needs population because we believe in our mission, and you can see that commitment in every hallway at Calais.”

Mr. Martin received a BA in History and a Master’s in Education from Rutgers University and later went on to earn a second Masters in Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.