Ellice Martin Recognized for Distinguished Service in Mathematics Education

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s Dr. Ellice P. Martin is the recipient of the 2014 Gladys M. Thomason Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

“My whole 46-year career has been focused on teaching — and specifically teaching mathematics,” explained the Department of Middle, Secondary, Reading, and Deaf Education professor. “In my position at VSU, I get to work with students who want to teach mathematics, and I have to be even more focused on doing a good job because of the number of lives these students will eventually touch. This award is meaningful to me because it recognizes a full career, and it was so gratifying to have those accomplishments lifted up in the presence of mathematics teachers from all over Georgia.”

The Gladys M. Thomason Distinguished Service Award recognizes Martin’s service in the field of mathematics education at the local, regional, and state levels. To even be considered for the award, she had to demonstrate significant services rendered, including service beyond the normal job requirements, as well as services primarily for the improvement of mathematics instruction.

Martin’s education career began in 1969 at Clinch County High School, shortly after she completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in mathematics at the University of Georgia. She taught mathematics and served as chairwoman of the Homerville-based school’s Mathematics Department for 30 years. During that time she continued her studies at Valdosta State, earning a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in mathematics education, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in mathematics education, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in curriculum and instruction.

After serving as principal of Lanier County Middle School for three years, Martin joined the VSU faculty as an assistant professor in what was then known as the Department of Middle Grades and Secondary Education in 2002. By 2007, she had been promoted to the rank of associate professor, followed by full professor with tenure in 2013. 

Reflecting upon her Gladys M. Thomason Distinguished Service Award, she said, “I do give credit to the three places I have worked because those institutions have supported and encouraged my passion for teaching mathematics.” 

Martin is a published author, having had research articles accepted into more than a dozen professional journals, and she is an expert speaker, having shared her various experiences and knowledge through presentations at the local, state, regional, and national level. She has received grant funding for five two-year math and science professional development opportunities designed to provide South Georgia’s K-12 teachers with content and instruction strategies to improve their ability to teach science and mathematics to their students

Martin is a two-time recipient of the James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services Excellence in Teaching Award. She is a former Clinch County Teacher of the Year and was named STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Teacher six times while teaching at Clinch County High School. She won the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics John Neff Award in 2009; this award recognizes post-secondary educators who have mentored, inspired, and advocated for mathematics and mathematics education. She was one of three finalists for the 1991 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics. Her greatest accomplishment is that more than 30 of her former Clinch County students have become middle school or high school mathematics teachers.  

“I do think there is further work for me to do,” she shared, “so I always pay attention to a sign on my desk that says, ‘One can always do a better job.’" 

Contact Dr. Ellice P. Martin at (229) 333-5611 or epmartin@valdosta.edu to learn more.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/education/

http://gctm-resources.org/drupal/

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

Dr. Ellice P. Martin's commitment to mathematics education meets the following goals: 

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Goal 5: Develop and enhance Valdosta State’s human and physical resources.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.