One of the most important things that make Wantagh High School an amazing environment for learning is the teachers that help students accomplish their goals. Our teachers help us to comprehend subjects and learn skills that benefit us greatly in our future endeavors. One special one, math teacher Ms. Martin, who has taught most subjects from 6th grade math all the way up to Advanced College Pre-Calculus, will be retiring at the end of this year.

While reflecting on her time at this school, Ms. Martin said,  “I have had so many accomplishments in my time at Wantagh but I am most proud of the fact that there were many students who were inspired to become math teachers because of me. It gives me great pride to know that I made a difference in so many lives, especially the underdogs!”

After 29 years of teaching here, Ms. Martin reflected on her career: “Being a Math nerd, I will truly miss the material and the challenges of helping my students.  Math is the subject that most kids love to hate. Which is why I always tried to keep them on their toes with my songs, wacky sayings (#9, #9, #9…) or squirrel moments!”

 Aside from being an amazing teacher, Ms. Martin also served her colleagues in the WUT for over 18 years. “I am also very proud of the job I did as a Union WUT rep as well as WUT 1st Vice President for the last 18 or so years.  Representing my members and providing them with answers to their questions and supporting them during times of need was a special part of what I accomplished outside of teaching.”

When asked what she will miss, Ms. Martin responded, “My colleagues. I have met the most amazing people working here at Wantagh. When speaking about the staff and teachers at Wantagh, many of us refer to it as “the Wantagh family.”  It is so true.  I will miss the day-to-day hellos in the hallway and the banter and laughter in meetings and especially the faculty room.”

 Upon retiring, Ms. Martin said, “I plan to travel and visit all the places that I have been wanting to see, such as the Northern Lights and Europe. I’ve spent so much of my life doing things for other people that I want some me-time!” 

Ms. Martin both provided knowledge and care to thousands of students. The skills that they learned from her will stick with them throughout their lives. While it’s sad to see Ms. Martin go, we wish her the best for whatever the future holds. Thank you Ms. Martin and good luck with whatever comes next for you!