Collegiate Welcomes Courtney Martin

Courtney Martin Meets our Cougars

Courtney Martin understands the heart of community. The passion, the people, the joy, the life lessons, the growth — all of it, she knows, keeps the communal heartbeat in rhythm. As the new Associate Head of School, she’s eager to learn what makes our community special, and 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.

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.

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.

All of Collegiate’s values really resonate with me. A love of learning is deeply embedded in who I am, and there is a strong desire in me to continue to learn, which is something I look forward to doing as a Cougar. When I first got to Collegiate, I recognized the respect and honor our talented community holds for each other. That plays a really important role in a school — the understanding that the students, parents, faculty and staff make the community special.

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.

At Collegiate, we encourage students to become lifelong learners. What are you hoping to learn from our Cougars?

Oh, gosh, so many things! First, I just want to get to know the students, to learn about those amazing people that make up our community. I’m looking forward to learning who is in our community and the talents and gifts each one of them brings. I love learning about the individual experiences that make Collegiate special to each of our students, parents, alumni and educators.

One really exciting aspect of your role is looking at Collegiate JK-12. What opportunities do you see now that you’ve been here for a little while in terms of the JK-12 experience?

I love thinking about our Portrait of a Graduate and how concepts look across different ages and different stages of development. Learning looks different for a student who is four and a student who is 17. But no matter the age, students are capable of discovery, innovative collaboration and curiosity. With consistency and continuity, those skill sets and mindsets are nourished at every stage of student growth. At all stages of development, students need to be heard, they need to be seen and they need to be appreciated. We have such a talented faculty doing so many wonderful things. Coming in, my goal is to first just listen and learn and see where the interest is, to see where the growth opportunities are. I want to discover the areas where we are really strong and find the areas where we can continue to grow. There is always that constant piece of finding ways to serve our students, and one of the ways we do that is by working together.

Looking forward, what are you most excited about continuing to foster at Collegiate?

There is a deep sense of professionalism among our faculty and staff. There is a deep sense of curiosity in our students. There is a deep sense of love in our community. I can’t wait to continue nourishing those aspects, and I look forward to forming even more deep relationships.