SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– San Diego Superintendent of Schools Cindy Marten will discuss the current state of public education in San Diego during a Sept. 18 forum sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel’s Social Action Committee, Men’s Club, and Religious School in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Marten, who once taught at the Beth Israel Day School, will tackle such questions as “how do parents, grandparents, teachers and students know that our schools both value and protect diversity?” and “What are our schools doing to make sure our children are safe from bullying and bias?”
The dinner meeting, at which Marten will also discuss her expectations for the 2014-2015 school year, will begin with a 6:30 p.m. deli buffet dinner provided by the Men’s Club. Marten is scheduled to begin her presentation at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18. This program is open to the entire San Diego community. The dinner fee: $14 with an RSVP, $17 without an RSVP. There is no charge for those who are only attending the 7:30 program with Ms. Marten. You may RSVP via the following link https://secure.jotformpro.com/form/41915186527965. For more information contact Bonnie Graff, Program Director at 858-900-2597 or Judi Schwartz, Men’s Club Staff Coordinator at 858-900-2598.
Marten is deeply committed to creating educational conditions and opportunities that enable all children to become actively literate as well as contributing and participating members of a democratic society who make a positive difference in the world. Her 25 years as an educator include teaching elementary grades as a classroom teacher and later, serving as a school-wide literacy specialist in the award-winning Poway Unified School District.
After participating in a seven-year improvement effort at a struggling school in Poway Unified, Marten chose to take her experience to one of the most challenging schools in San Diego Unified — Central Elementary in City Heights— where she served for ten years as teacher, instructional leader and principal.
At Central Elementary, Ms. Marten worked passionately at attracting and retaining high-quality, dedicated staff. She nurtured innovative programs to support her students and staff including: a highly successful bi-literacy program; a hands-on school garden program; quality after-school and preschool programs; employees’ child day care center; and a community health and wellness center for students and their families. Her team’s success was validated by steady and improved student achievement, which included an increase in the school’s Academic Performance Index (API). By 2012 it reached 788, just shy of the state target of 800.
As the district’s superintendent, Marten has said she looks forward to leading the district team and community with a singular focus on student success. She believes that there are NO EXCUSES when it comes to providing children with the very best conditions that will enable them to become confident, successful learners who can achieve their dreams. She plans to work with the Board of Education to implement Vision 2020, creating quality schools in every neighborhood throughout the district.
Martin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of California, San Diego. She also possesses many special Honors and Service including the City Heights CDC Community Advocate award, Girls Scouts 10 Coolest Women 2012 Award, International Reading Assn. Teacher Recognition for Reflective Writing and Teaching.
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Preceding provided by Congregation Beth Israel