Elizabeth Martin Named Head of Lower School

Mrs. Martin earned her B.A. from Hamilton College and her M.Ed. from Towson University. She began her teaching career as a fourth grade assistant teacher at New Canaan Country School in Connecticut before moving to the Key School in Annapolis where she taught second grade. From Key, Mrs. Martin took a job at Garrison Forest. During her eleven years at Garrison Forest, she served as the Director of the Academic Resource Center, the Lower School Curriculum Coordinator, the Reading Specialist, and finally, the Assistant Head of the Lower School. Mr. Holmgren noted that “her journey has been extensive, and Elizabeth’s work experience has touched on almost every aspect of an independent school.”

 

Mr. Holmgren sought to hire a Lower School Head “who knows and understands elementary education from administrative, admission, and classroom perspectives; a person who recognizes and appreciates the developmental ups and downs of this age; a person who can partner with parents and who values each and every student that walks up our stairs in the morning. Above all, the Lower School needs a leader who will continue our many traditions while ensuring that we incorporate new ideas and ways of thinking into our classrooms.” In a letter sent to parents Thursday, he went on to say, “Fortunately for Calvert and our children, our interim Head of Lower School, Mrs. Martin, fits this description perfectly.”

 

Mrs. Martin has already made many contributions to the Lower School including more consistent communication, a recommitment to the tradition of folder papers, the implementation of a new phonics program, and an ongoing effort to review the ways in which teachers share grades and comments with parents. She stated, “It is an honor to be able to lead Calvert’s Lower School. I respect Calvert’s traditions, innovation, and exceptional school community. I look forward to continuing the role of supporting students, teachers, and parents.”