Katie Martin is the Director of District Leadership for the Buck Institute for Education (BIE). She works with districts and school leaders to create the conditions that support deeper learning for all students. She has also served as middle school English language arts teacher, instructional coach, and lead the district new teacher mentoring program. She also enjoys teaching graduate classes in diverse teacher education programs.At the university, district, and school level Katie aspires to create experiences that empower all learners to develop knowledge, skills, and mindsets to thrive in a changing world. Katie has a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in middle school education and her Ph.D. specialized in new teacher induction and ongoing support to impact teacher efficacy and effectiveness. As a leader, teacher, and speaker, Katie's experience in research and practice continue to guide her belief that if we want to change how students learn, we must change how educators learn. As a mom, she wants her kids to have learning experiences in school that build on their strengths and interests and as an educator; she is passionate about making sure we do the same for all kids.

What you do matters.You may not hear it often (or ever), but if you’re an educator, you’re making a difference in the lives of learners. And that impact has a domino effect. In Because of a Teacher, more than fifteen of today’s leading educators remember the teachers and administrators who inspired and supported their careers. Through a series of heartfelt and uplifting stories, they reflect on their early years teaching, offering advice and strategies suited to first-year teachers and longtime educators alike.These personal stories offer hope for new teachers, encouragement for educators tiptoeing into burnout, and reassurance that the work you’re doing right now will inspire generations to come.

What if education could be better-for students and for educators?Our changing world demands creative thinkers and collaborative problem solvers, but too often, schools stifle growth and discovery in favor of getting through the curriculum or preparing for "the test." Learning opportunities and teaching methods must evolve to match the ever-changing needs of today's learners.When we tell kids to complete an assignment, we get compliance. When we empower learners to explore and learn how to make an impact on the world, we inspire problem solvers and innovators. This required change in education involves more than providing training for administrators and teachers to implement new curriculum or programs and resources; it demands that we, as teachers and leaders, create an environment where learners at every level are empowered to take risks in pursuit of learning and growth rather than perfection.This book is for you if you are wondering . . .What if learners were valued for their diverse talents and not just our traditional model of "smart"?What if I could create new and better experiences for those I serve?What if I could inspire students to learn, to discover their passions, and to share their ideas with the world?