This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Krista Martin from Fort Dorchester High School in South Carolina. Here is what she is celebrating at the end of this school year:
I am proud of what our school has accomplished this year alongside Jostens Renaissance. This past summer, I was able to attend the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in San Diego. This experience sparked something not only in me, but also in the others who attended. The four of us returned to our school with a wealth of ideas and clear goals for the year. Personally, I set three main goals for myself. First, I ensured that each month we participated in the monthly challenge. This allowed not only our students but also our teachers to become more involved in our activities. My second goal was to introduce a “Jostens Staffulty Member of the Month” program at our school. While simple in concept, this initiative had a meaningful impact. Each month, staff members vote and I compile the positive feedback shared about colleagues, print the notes, and deliver them to the teacher. This has brought a great deal of joy to our school community. Lastly, my final goal was to submit an application for Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction. When we attended JRGC last year, I knew very little about this recognition, but I made it a goal to apply. I am proud to say that I accomplished all three of the goals I set for myself. Going through the application process highlighted the many great things our school is doing. I am incredibly proud to be a teacher at Fort Dorchester High School.
What do you teach? Are you involved with anything else at your school?
High School Math (Algebra 1 and Geometry)
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
One thing I truly appreciate about my school’s culture is the “Fort Family” atmosphere. When I first moved to the area, I interviewed and toured several schools, but the moment I walked through the doors of Fort Dorchester High School, my decision was made. As I toured the building, I immediately felt welcomed, supported, and comfortable with every person I encountered. “Fort Family” is much more than just a phrase. It is a way of life that is reflected in the relationships, support, and sense of belonging throughout the school. From the very beginning, I felt like I had found my home away from home.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance moment was JRGC in 2025. This was not only when the spark was lit for me, but also the beginning of my Jostens Renaissance journey. All of the excitement and buzz around the things happening in schools across the nation lit a fire inside me. I set goals for myself to bring that excitement back to Fort, and I believe those goals have been met. The climate and culture at Fort has grown tremendously and continues to grow.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Jostens Renaissance has helped me develop a stronger sense of school pride and a deeper love for my school community. It has strengthened my relationships with colleagues across the building, not just within my department, allowing me to connect with and better understand the adults I work with every day. Renaissance has also influenced the way I recognize and reward students by helping me see the importance of acknowledging their efforts academically, socially, and through student leadership. Overall, it has helped me create a more positive and supportive environment for students while also strengthening the culture among staff.
What is something that helps you feel Better Than Good?
Something that makes me feel “Better Than Good” is when something finally clicks with a student in my math class. So many students come in saying they “hate math” or that they have “never been good at math,” but watching those same students grow in confidence and succeed is incredible. Seeing a student overcome self doubt and realize they are capable of doing difficult things is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. It is those small and big moments in the classroom that keep us teachers coming back year after year.
What is something you do to help others feel Better Than Good?
Something I have done this year to help others feel Better Than Good is not only start new initiatives but also ensure they continue throughout the year. For example, I created a “Jostens Staffulty Member of the Month” program. Each month, I use the character trait of the month and send out an anonymous form for Staffulty members to nominate one another. After the nomination period ends, I compile all of the kind things teachers say about each other, print them out, and put them in the nominee’s mailbox. The goal is to brighten teachers’ days and help them feel appreciated, even in small ways.
What is your favorite way to celebrate an accomplishment?
My favorite way to celebrate an accomplishment is by sharing it with my family and friends. They have always been my biggest supporters, so being able to celebrate milestones and successes with them makes the accomplishment even more meaningful.
Krista will receive a coffee tumbler and a lapel pin in recognition of her achievements.