How have your first months as a Cougar been? Very fun, busy and exciting. There’s a lot to learn, a lot to do, a lot of people to know. It’s been exciting in so many ways — learning more about the School, learning about the city. I’ve loved being in a different space and getting to know the energy, trying and doing new things and meeting new people.
You’ve talked elsewhere about the importance of making students’ educational experiences successful. What is your approach to helping each of our students excel? Success can have many different paths, and it’s important to understand that challenges, passions and curiosities look different for each student. So a lot of it comes from really knowing who they are and what is important to them first and then really taking the time to motivate them in unique and meaningful ways as we approach our goals.
Courtney Martin Meets our Cougars
Before she retired, Susan Droke said that your “combination of personality, experience and knowledge is in perfect alignment with Collegiate’s values.” Can you speak to how Collegiate’s values resonate with you? That was very kind of Susan, and I’m so grateful for the time we had together. She is a gift to me and Collegiate.
C
All of Collegiate’s values really resonate with me. A love of learning is deeply embedded in who I am, and there ourtney Martin understands the
is a strong desire in me to continue to learn, which is
heart of community. The passion,
something I look forward to doing as a Cougar. When
the people, the joy, the life lessons,
I first got to Collegiate, I recognized the respect and
the growth — all of it, she knows,
honor our talented community holds for each other.
keeps the communal heartbeat in
That plays a really important role in a school — the
rhythm. As the new Associate Head of School, she’s
understanding that the students, parents, faculty and
eager to learn what makes our community special, and
staff make the community special.
she looks forward to fostering connections between the hearts and minds of our Cougars. “I love that aspect of a school community where you really get a chance to know the heart of people,” she says. “And I can’t wait to continue the work of making sure each member of our community knows they matter.” Ms. Martin talks about her first experiences as a Cougar, the importance of making connections with each student and the work of continuing to foster Collegiate's future.
What is your favorite aspect of being an educator and leader? I cherish the relationships you get to make with people. It is truly a privilege to see children grow up. To be a part of their lives throughout the entire learning process is such a gift. I love the idea that schools represent learning, ideas and growth, and you really feel that is present everywhere at Collegiate. When you have children learning together you recognize the possibilities of what they can become, and those opportunities are something I’m always looking to cultivate.
20 SPARK | On Campus
