Driven by a deep sense of purpose to enrich the lives of others, Lindsay Martin pursued a career in teaching, where she could combine her passion for history with her commitment to shaping the minds of young learners.
In 2017, Martin received her bachelor’s degree in history with minors in education and geography from Carolina. A year later, in 2018, she graduated from the UNC School of Education’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program in secondary education. During this time, she realized that teaching was the perfect fit for her interests and values, while also gaining the skills to meet the diverse needs of her students and their families.
“I’ve learned to grasp the significance behind historical events, and I want my students to understand that too,” Martin said. “I hope I’m showing them that learning never stops and that it’s important to keep growing our understanding of the world. That’s probably been my philosophy all along.
“I love being around my students, and I believe that what I teach is important—not just for me or a few people to know, but for every student, every person in the world,” Martin said. “I think it helps us become a better society, to understand each other better.”
Now a high school social studies teacher in the Wake County Public School System, Martin is committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her students. Her passion for education and dedication to helping students connect with history and their own potential continues to shape her work in the classroom.
She finds the most rewarding moments are when her students show interest and curiosity. Those “aha” moments not only make her day but also inspire her to continue learning alongside her students.
“In the MAT program, I learned not only how to improve my instructional methods and help students connect with the material but also how to handle the other important aspects of teaching,” Martin said. “How do you fairly grade assessments? How do you address the needs of students from different walks of life? How do you communicate effectively with parents? There’s so much that goes into being a teacher that goes beyond the classroom instruction.”
Facing fears and embracing growth
While her student teaching in the MAT program at Chapel Hill High School helped her develop essential teaching skills, it was her time with experiential learning opportunities offered through the School — Outward Bound and the Tricontinental Teacher Training Exchange Program — that helped push her beyond her comfort zone, she said.
The North Carolina Outward Bound School is a nonprofit offering challenging outdoor adventure programs aimed at helping individuals discover their inner strength, develop leadership skills, and foster a commitment to serving people around them. Operating primarily in the wilderness of North Carolina, Outward Bound provides participants with opportunities for personal growth and resilience through nature-based experiences.
Initially apprehensive, Martin gained confidence and resilience through Outward Bound with activities like camping, backpacking, ziplining, and rock climbing. This personal growth now fuels her teaching, where she encourages students to embrace challenges and grow, just as she did.
“I’ve learned to remind myself how smart, capable, and talented I am,” Martin said. “I often think back to Outward Bound when I’m faced with new challenges, like taking on a new course or organizing a prom for 2,000 students. Each new challenge has built my confidence.”
In 2018, Martin also participated in the School’s Tricontinental Teacher Training Exchange Program, which enables pre-service teachers to collaborate with their peers at the University of Hamburg (Germany) and the University of Education, Winneba (Ghana).
Her experience at the University of Hamburg challenged her in various ways. Navigating an unfamiliar setting, working in German schools, and adapting to new communication styles provided invaluable lessons in connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds.
“As a social studies teacher, especially now that I’m teaching human geography, I often think back to that experience and how it shaped my understanding of the world,” Martin said. “Finding common interests with educators from Germany was profound, and I carry that experience with me every day.”
These varied experiences — whether through assessments, Outward Bound, or her time in Germany — have played a pivotal role in shaping Martin as a teacher, providing her with the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to continue growing and learning alongside her students. 
“Through the MAT coursework, internships, time spent in schools, and experiences like observing different schools and my exchange in Germany, I realized that education is much broader than just me and my students in the room,” Martin said. “Even though I wasn’t a full-time teacher yet, I came out of the program with a much better understanding of the profession, knowing that there’s still more to learn once you’re in the field.”
Martin reflects on the many ways teachers can make a difference, each contributing something unique to their school and students. She is committed to continuously expanding her knowledge and bringing fresh insights to her students.
Martin also encourages MAT students to step out of their comfort zones, believing these experiences are essential for developing as an educator.
“I believe every action I take in the classroom is intentional and meant to help my students succeed,” Martin said. “Teaching gives me the power to create the world I believe we should have. I’m doing something to shape the future every day, and that realization has been pivotal for me.”