Providence, R.I.--Grace Martin, a 2008 magna cum laude graduate of Providence College, was named a finalist for the 2008-09 Henrico County (Va.) First-Year Teacher of the Year Award.

Martin, who earned a degree in elementary and special education, taught a self-contained classroom of seven children with autism. She worked with students in grades 3 through 5 alongside a team of paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and speech and occupational therapists.

"I'm blessed to work in a school district that has both the desire and financial means to completely support the learning of their students with special needs," she said.

Martin was nominated for the award by Mary J. Cox, principal of Nuckols Farm Elementary School, based on an evaluation of teaching skills and interaction with students, parents, faculty, staff, and members of the community.

"Grace has a phenomenal understanding of her students' myriad styles of learning and their individual issues and needs as she plans for and teaches her students across the autism spectrum," said Cox.

Martin, a native of Rehoboth, Mass., credits her experience at PC for much of the success she has found in the classroom.

"I received an invaluable education that prepared me for instructional, behavioral, and legal challenges in my current position," she said.

"I was able to get a student interested in reading by reading to him first in Spanish and then encouraging him to try in English. Thanks to my years in the Development of Western Civilization program, I was able to answer many student questions that many of the veteran general education teachers were unable to answer. My ability to contribute this way enables the student I am working with to become less stigmatized by my presence in the classroom."

As she moves forward in her professional career, Martin--whose mother, Pat, is a 1980 PC graduate--hopes that PC will remain an integral part of her life.

"Upon graduation, I remember thinking that life would never be as fun or exciting as it was during my college years," she said. "While that holds true in some senses, my life has begun to open up in so many new and exciting ways as a young alumna."

--Joe Miller '10

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