High School Teacher of the Year: Shaun Martin Inspiring Real-World Skills

We’re proud to congratulate Shaun Martin on being named K12 Private Academy’s High School Teacher of the Year! As a 10^th grade teacher, Mr. Martin brings empathy, creativity, and encouragement to every virtual lesson. His classroom is filled with curiosity and moments that remind students, and their Learning Coaches, why learning should always be joyful.  

His Path to Teaching  

For Mr. Martin, his teaching journey began in 2013. 

“My first job was in a pretty traditional school, but I joined a group to start a project-based school where I travelled all over the country to figure out how to make the curriculum work. After that, I joined an ELL school for secondary students which then led me to teaching at an alternative night school.” 

When the world shifted to virtual learning in 2020, Mr. Martin joined the Stride team to continue impacting students’ lives.      

“I came to Stride in 2020 with professional experience in history and English, all in the context of alternative education. While Stride’s curriculum leans traditional, the delivery is where untraditional learning and innovation shine.” 

A Classroom Without Walls  

Mr. Martin’s favorite part about K12 Private Academy is the ability to connect and foster one-on-one relationships with his high school students.  

“I’ve hit a really nice groove with this age group, and I have an affinity for teaching students in this group. My focus has forever been making intentional relationships with students and understanding that those relationships are at the core of learning.” 

Seeing students thrive, when they once struggled scholastically, brings joy to Mr. Martin’s life each and every day. 

From English Class to Everyday Life 

For Mr. Martin, learning real-world skills related to the field of English is where he thrives. His most impactful project allows students to create a persuasive speech where they have the opportunity to choose a topic they’re passionate about. 

“I’ve always loved literature, with my degree in writing, and the reason I love the writing and persuasion element is because there’s such an obvious connection to the real world.” 

“I let the students write about whatever they want; it’s not one of those speeches where I tell them what to write about. A student was going to write about a more typical subject, but I was able to walk him through finding a subject he cared about.” 

In addition to teaching persuasive communication, Mr. Martin encourages students to conduct a deep dive into who their audience truly is.    

“When I was working with a student, I asked him to define who his audience was and what they cared about. We identified it to be his mom, as we built on the topic of audience awareness, and we brainstormed what style of argument would work on her.” 

“It’s easily my favorite thing: walking kids through a persuasive speech and connecting it to what they care about.” 

A Supportive Learning Environment  

Mr. Martin believes understanding and flexibility are the foundations of learning.  

“The flipped instructional model really works for kids who didn’t previously have a safe space. They find this school to be safe and welcoming as they have the freedom to turn school ‘on and off’ based on their unique needs.” 

“It’s also powerful for kids who love to push themselves academically, entrepreneurially, and athletically. This style of learning provides the power for every type of student to be successful. I abide by the idea that the goal is to educate the whole child, not only making sure they succeed academically, but ensuring they feel confident and have a sense of self-actualizing.” 

At K12 Private Academy, that supportive environment extends beyond the screen through the partnership between teachers and Learning Coaches.  

“Students at Stride are able to develop self-discipline skills that will enable them to succeed in college environments, but they still have the support of their Learning Coaches. The key is to not just reach out when something may be wrong with a student; you have to reach out for the good things too, to celebrate the wins. 

Recognized for His Impact  

For Mr. Martin, receiving the High School Teacher of the Year award is an affirmation of everything he loves about his job.  

“This is the third time I’ve won this award: it means a lot and it’s a continuous reminder I’m doing things in a way that has a positive impact. It shows that my process is working in some way and that I should continue pursuing this process and style of teaching. It’s really reaffirming and shows me I’m on the right track.” 

Congratulations, Mr. Martin, for being named K12 Private Academy’s High School Teacher of the Year! 

Is Online Learning Right for You? 

At K12 Private Academy, students receive an online education tailored to their individual learning needs. Serving Pre-K-12th-grade students nationwide, K12 Private Academy offers college and career-focused curriculum, passionate teachers, and a variety of extracurricular opportunities. Learn more at https://k12privateacademy.com/ today!