April SuperStar Teacher: Celebrating Deanna Martin at Banks-Caddell Elementary School in Decatur

Deanna Martin, a Kindergarten teacher for Decatur City Schools, has been named the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce's SuperStar Teacher for April. Our presenting sponsor, Hubbard & Drake General-Mechanical Contractors, Inc., represented by Brian Beidleman, along with Kenneth Kirkland, a member of the Chamber's Board of Directors, and Chamber staff, surprised Ms. Martin with a $150 gift card for her classroom, a $50 gift card for personal use and a $1,000 grant awarded to Banks-Caddell Elementary from the Chamber’s One Vision Foundation.

In her nomination, Principal Britt Lovelace highlighted Ms. Martin’s impact on her students and colleagues stating: “Ms. Martin consistently goes above and beyond to create a warm, engaging, and enriching learning environment for her kindergarten students. Her exceptional teaching skills are evident in the way she integrates hands-on activities into her daily instruction, including the creation of a classroom garden that allows students to learn through real-world, sensory experiences. She greets each child every morning with a heartfelt “I love you,” setting the tone for a nurturing and supportive classroom culture. Her patience and ability to reach all of her students—regardless of their learning style or needs—demonstrate her deep commitment to student success. Mrs. Martin is also a tireless advocate for learning beyond the traditional classroom. She is always the first to volunteer for summer learning and after-school tutoring, ensuring that students continue to thrive year-round. When additional support was needed for student safety and connection, she didn’t hesitate to ride the bus, serving as a caring and familiar point of contact for children. Mrs. Martin also mentors new teachers, generously sharing her knowledge and modeling best practices. Her dedication extends into the evenings, where she can always be found participating in school events such as Literacy Night, Math Night and Young Authors Night. Her passion, dedication and innovative teaching make her an outstanding educator and a vital part of our school community.”

"This was the biggest surprise of my entire life. I’m still kind of speechless and having a hard time with words. It was a complete shock and thank you for recognizing me. I really, really, really appreciate it,” said Ms. Martin.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Hubbard & Drake General-Mechanical Contractors, Inc. and our April sponsor Decatur Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

The Chamber’s SuperStar Teacher program celebrates educators who make a significant impact on their students, colleagues and communities. This initiative is part of the Chamber's ongoing commitment to recognizing and supporting outstanding educators in Decatur-Morgan County. The One Vision Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, funds these grants through the generous support of our Chamber members. Members can contribute through their invoices, or anyone can make a tax-deductible donation by visiting our website at www.dcc.org.