BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—A third-grade teacher at Bucyrus Elementary School is being honored as the Lewis Family McDonald’s Teacher of the Month.
Dawn Martin, a 10-year veteran of the district, said she found out from a former student that she received the award. “That was the only way I knew. I had no idea, and then they announced it on the announcements. I was pleasantly surprised.”
Martin, who was nominated by a colleague at the elementary school, is an educator but so much more to her students. She wants it that way. “I treat the children in my room as if they were my own. They always know they can come to me.”
A resident of nearby Attica, Martin grew up in the village of Bailey Lakes in Ashland County. She graduated from Crestview High School and went on to The Ohio State University where she earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
For 10 years Martin also taught third grade for the Madison Local School District in Richland County. She is certified to teach K-8 and obtained her reading endorsement certificate from Ashland University.
At Bucyrus, Martin has a special bond with her students and knows if one of them is having a difficult day. She gives them a red bracelet to keep in their pencil pouch, encouraging them to wear it as needed throughout the year.
“It’s a signal to let me know they’re not 100-percent that day,” she explained. “I want them to know they’re loved. I want them to know their teacher cares. I truly try to help them navigate through their feelings and their emotions.”
Martin is also a longtime mentor to new teachers in the district. She’s treasurer of the Bucyrus Education Association and serves as a third-grade team leader, representing teachers and staff at building and district team meetings.
On the home front, Martin and her husband, Matthew, have two children. Daughter Ella is a senior at Seneca East High School, while their son, Landon, is a freshman. The Martins are active volunteers in the Seneca East FFA Boosters.
The family lives on a 100-acre farm where they raise 60 head of beef cattle. They regularly vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and enjoy trips out west. “We love to snow ski, my family. Colorado, Rocky Mountains, that’s our favorite.”
But most of all, Martin is a devoted teacher. Committed to her students, and to making a positive impact on their lives. “These are little kids, and I feel their future is important. I dedicate as much time to them to make sure they’re successful – in their future grades and in life.”
“I just love to see children grow and learn, to walk in the room on day one and then see the amount of growth in a year. I think it’s nice to see them turn out to be dedicated as a lifelong learner.”