Carrie Martin of Denton was named Barnes and Noble’s National Teacher of the Year Friday morning.
The second grade teacher at Evers Park Elementary said she was shocked when she first got the news that she would receive the national recognition.
"I just, I couldn't believe it,” said Martin.
The national book store chain selects their winner each year via an essay contest titled “My Favorite Teacher.”
For Miss Martin, the nomination actually came from a former student who’s just weeks away from graduating high school at Denton Ryan, senior Ti Anna Bridges-Reed.
Ti Anna wrote her essay about Martin’s continuing mentorship of her that began when she was Ti Anna’s 5th grade teacher.
“I’d failed a test,” Ti Anna said remembering the words Martin told her in the hallway afterwards. "’You’re going to pass this test. I believe in you, you can do this.’"
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From there, Ti Anna said Martin stuck with her, helping her grow as a student throughout the Denton ISD and inspiring her to now pursue teaching as a career. Ti Anna even served as Martin’s intern at Evers.
"She's like my elementary school mom,” said Bridges-Reed.
Along with the award, Martin and the school each received checks for $5,000, and Bridges-Reed got a $500 gift card to the book store and a Nook tablet.
Martin said while her name is on the award, she credits it to the entire Evers Park staff and encourages others to thank their favorite teachers now and then.
