Glosserman Family Urban Education Scholar (2016)
Penn Educational Leadership Simulation Program (PELS) Fellow (2016, 2017, 2018)
Dr. David Martin is a high-performing organizational leader with almost three decades of experience positively impacting outcomes for young people, through: innovation; a strong commitment to equity; and collaboration with communities. He earned his doctorate degree at the University of Pennsylvania.
David is currently the principal of a social justice focused charter school in New York. Prior to that he was the principal/headmaster of a private, historically Black, co-educational boarding school in Pennsylvania – one of only four such remaining institutions in the United States. Before that role, David performed multi-day school visits to help traditional public and charter school leaders, teachers, staff and families evaluate and innovate on their instructional models. His educational expertise includes: school design; problem-based learning; instructional technology; data-informed decision making; alternative education; and qualitative / action research. David’s volunteer work includes serving as the chief of staff for a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to mission-driven college seniors, who are unable to graduate because of a financial need.
As a professional musician, David has released music commercially, toured internationally and scored for feature films. He is also a serial entrepreneur, author, and licensed real estate salesperson.
“Principals come across an educator like him, only once in their career. In my role as a facilitator for leadership courses at Harvard University, I meet many national and international educators. I have yet to meet anyone who surpasses David’s broad talents, commitment to students, and love for the field of education at-large. He is one of the most outstanding, intuitive and caring individuals I ever had the pleasure to work with during my tenure as a school leader. ”
“Above all, David is a kind and compassionate person. He never fails to recognize opportunities to celebrate others or to offer comfort and care when needed, making him a gem of a human being to know and work with. The value he brings to a team and organization cannot be understated. ”
“I also observed his willingness to work alongside his team in very practical ways. Dr. Martin had no hesitation in being “boots on the ground,” whether that meant stepping into classrooms, assisting with student needs, or rolling up his sleeves during campus-wide initiatives. His ability to connect with people authentically never wavered, no matter the circumstance. This balance of leadership, humility, and hands-on commitment made a lasting impact on me, my colleagues, and the students we serve.”
“Dr. Martin successfully led Pine Forge Academy through several multi-million-dollar campus renovation projects, and a comprehensive accreditation review that included two financial audits, resulting in full renewal. He also spearheaded the development and approval of a five-year strategic plan by creating and managing eight teams and producing measurable objectives, action plans, and key performance indicators to ensure accountability and progress. His leadership reflects a rare combination of tactical foresight, operational discipline, and authentic care for the community.”
“…resulted in extremely high achievement and high attendance…created a collaborative environment for students, faculty, and parents that facilitated all stakeholders to realize shared goals.”
“…highly intelligent, conscientious, insightful, dedicated…hard working…knowledgeable in the subject matter…able to work with others, and has an affinity for educational supervision. I can give him my highest recommendation without qualification.”
“Dr. Martin is a dedicated, principled, and student-centered leader. I would not hesitate to hire him again, and I am confident he will bring significant value to any institution he serves.”
“...by far one of the most accomplished and capable administrators I have had the good fortune to have worked with. His abilities extended across the population of teachers, support staff and students he was responsible for...an adroit and perceptive leader; one who always had the ability to resolve issues before they became problems...truly a great experience to work as a teacher with Mr. Martin as my administrator.”
“...a strong writer and communicator, a kind person, and a leader with a passion for research and dialogue. As a parent, educator, and scholar, his commitments to equity, justice, and urban education are deep, multiply informed, and change-oriented. Through his capacity to bridge stories, experience and scholarship, and maintaining an inquiry stance toward to the complexities of learning contexts, David brings a depth of commitment to improving the conditions of schools and schooling for all stakeholders.”
“...found him to be an extraordinary school leader — extremely bright, thoughtful, highly motivated, and deeply committed to working in collaboration with teachers and administrators to take an inquiry stance on the challenges and problems they face in making schools and classrooms equitable places for teaching and learning...unique constellation of expertise and interests that enable him to talk across disciplinary boundaries and engage with a wide range of theoretical and methodological perspectives”
“...an exceptional leader who blends vision, empathy, and organizational expertise to create meaningful outcomes for school communities. He demonstrates a deep commitment to student success, fosters collaboration among faculty, and cultivates environments where learning and growth flourish. His presence has consistently elevated both instructional practices and school culture.”
“Of the 23 YABC site administrators and my consistent professional interactions with each of them, David Martin has stood out to be a role model and leader, among them, with the ability to galvanize teams of people, manage complex operations with a firm hand and vision, and most importantly, demonstrate a true and steadfast devotion to student achievement...David has demonstrated a savvy approach to working within the larger NYCDOE system, utilizing data to improve the academic experience of his students, providing equal access and equity for all students, and has served as a competent leader in pioneering innovative solutions to complex problems.”
“David is a thoughtful and strategic thinker in coordinating a vision and executing it. He is an enthusiastic and skilled instructional and organizational leader.”
“...the kind of leader who inspires trust, drives progress, and leads with integrity. He is both visionary and practical - able to dream big while ensuring that each step toward the vision is thoughtfuly executed.”
“…learned more with you than I ever had. It was an enlightening experience and it made me want more. You have a positive affect on people, on many different levels…especially when you challenge them.”
“David’s work exceeded our expectations...demonstrated a poise, intellect and level of professionalism that we don’t often see...I remain in contact because he is one of those rare finds that you come across and you recognize you are working with someone very special. If you are looking for someone with poise, analytical strength, creative with attention to detail, David will address those needs in every way and I strongly recommend him for a myriad of roles that demand that unique set of attributes.”
“...I was immediately engaged by the interesting assignments, discussion boards, and small group discussions. Dr. Martin’s class was challenging, but I appreciated the way he supported us without reducing the rigor or diminishing his own high expectations for our growth...I graduated this month and found myself reflecting on all of the professors who supported and pushed me during this challenging yet rewarding process. Dr. Martin is one of those professors who encouraged my growth and learning, and Iam grateful for that mentoring.”
“My first glimpse of Mr. Martin’s vision for STH was during the three weeks of Professional Development reserved for all staff... We spoke about the culture for learning that he wanted to establish, including exactly how lessons are taught under the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model...I was given the opportunity to develop lessons cohesively with the Special Education and English as Second Language teachers. As someone who had never taught full-time in a public school system, after three weeks together, I felt I had the tools to teach under this model and was confident that Mr. Martin would be my coach throughout the journey.”
“While Dr. Martin held us all to a high standard of professionalism, he also cultivated a warm and approachable presence. Whether playing Uno with students during lunch or wearing humorous socks to lighten the mood, he connected with young people in ways that made him both respected and beloved. When his tenure came to a close, the students and staff organized a heartfelt farewell assembly, presenting him with a scrapbook of memories—a fitting tribute to the profound impact he made ...His absence is still felt, but his legacy continues to shape the culture of our school. In my career, I have only worked for two leaders I would describe as exceptional, and Dr. Martin is without question one of them. Given the opportunity, I would gladly work alongside him again.”
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