Andrea Martin: Cheering Families to Success at Lincoln Street School

Lincoln Street School parents appreciate Andrea Martin’s philosophy of love, care, meeting families where they are and helping them to find the resources they need to thrive. Photos by Kate Hiller.

Andrea Martin’s goal in life can be found in her job title at Lincoln Street Independent School, an independent study option based in Red Bluff. Since 2019, Andrea has worked there as the Family Success Liaison. “Family success looks different for every family,” Andrea says. “In whatever unique challenges each family is facing, I want to help locate the resources they need with the goal of stabilization.”

Kindness opens up a child’s world

Andrea’s passion to help students and their families can be traced back to a time as a child at Gerber Elementary when her life was anything but stable. “I was weighed down by poverty and trauma and could never imagine rising above those circumstances. The instability was crippling—I never knew if I would be picked up right after school or three hours later. It usually was the latter. My teacher at the time, Polly Deknikker, noticed me sitting on the curb and she said, ‘no more.’” Andrea became Polly’s after-school assistant that day. It didn’t matter if Andrea was banging erasers or correcting papers, being in Polly’s presence always felt glamorous. “She carried herself with dignity and she always wore lipstick,” Andrea said with admiration. “She opened up the world for me and made me believe I could rise above my circumstances.”

Social emotional learning helps children be their best selves

One of Andrea’s favorite roles at Lincoln Street is as the “Champion of Social Emotional Learning” through which she helps students be the best versions of themselves. Her goal is to focus on the whole child and to help them hone their unique character skills. Her weekly Teen Chat gives her a regular opportunity to speak to her students about real-life challenges. Andrea’s vibrant smile, complete with lipstick, of course, lights up the online chat and you can hear the admiration in her students’ voices. “Where are you on your mood meter today?” Andrea asks the teens. When the students express a lack of energy, Andrea suggests, “Try drinking a tall glass of ice water. It gives me a boost every time.”

Jill Kelly, a Lincoln Street parent, has two children who attend Andrea’s chat. Jill says, “The chat has offered my kids an invaluable outlet—being a part of a team and learning valuable life and leadership skills. Andrea has given 110% of herself to our school, kids and families. Andrea is the heart of our school.”

Another school parent, Faith Yount, describes Andrea as, “The person everyone not only wants but needs in their life. Andrea continually gives support and encouragement without complaint. Always smiling, coming up with new ideas, an excellent connector and full of knowledge about resources in our community—all while making people feel loved and valued.”

Meeting basic needs helps kids focus on learning

Andrea recalls the one event that changed her life forever. “That day I was sitting in the classroom when Mrs. Deknikker took a phone call. When she hung up the phone, she informed me that I needed to go to the library after school—I thought I was in trouble,” Andrea says. “When I went to the library I saw beautifully wrapped boxes that nearly reached the ceiling. They were all for me! The boxes contained a complete new wardrobe—from shoes all the way up to a cross necklace. Without a word, I just knew the gifts were from Mrs. Deknikker. I found out later that Mrs. Deknikker, with the help of another teacher, Nancy Compton, had purchased everything just for me.” Polly told Andrea, “You deserve even more.”

“Polly and Nancy showed me that I was seen, heard and loved and that is something I want to show our Lincoln Street students and their parents.” Andrea explains. “Homeschooling isn’t easy and our parents and sometimes grandparents, need a lot of encouragement and support as they take on their role as their children’s primary teacher.”

Karla Stroman, principal of Lincoln Street, says, “Andrea provides a critical link between our families and our school. With the relationships she has developed, families know that they can reach out to her when they need help with support – food, clothing, shelter and even mental health. When basic needs are met our Lincoln Street students can focus on academics and other life skills necessary for success!”

Andrea Martin’s belief that all children should feel they belong and that they can succeed inspires her students and infuses her work at Lincoln Street School. Photo by Kate Hiller.

Giving back to the community inspires and guides career choice

Working at Lincoln Street Independent School, within the Tehama County Department of Education, has been full circle for Andrea. She explains, “My first job, at age 15, was also under Karla Stroman in the SERRF (Safe Education and Recreation for Rural Families) program. Even with jobs and much of my education centered around children, I kept thinking I should go after a career in HR.” Andrea laughs and then continues, “After receiving my degree in Organizational Leadership at Simpson I joined AmeriCorps to give back to my community. Working there as a School Readiness Home Visitor I found that I loved working with parents and seeing a lightbulb go off when I told them ‘You are your kid’s first teacher.’” So it was truly like coming home to be chosen for the job at Lincoln Street School. “I am the caregivers’ cheerleader. What could be more fun?” Andrea says, flashing her brilliant smile.

Even away from work, Andrea continues with that “Polly way” of helping others. Andrea sits on too many committees to mention but shares about one that has been a highlight—the Community Engagement Initiative. Andrea was able to work alongside her own daughter, Hailey, to provide both teacher and student perspectives on the initiative. Andrea shared, “We were able to give our input on how schools can take on a whole child approach and not just focus on academics.”

Volunteering at Camp Hope for three years has helped Andrea with her vision for her current job. “We are a family,” Andrea explains. “Over the years, I have learned that when times get tough, we should all be able to reach out to our village and ask for help, even if we don’t quite know how. We are all struggling with something that no one knows about and I think asking for help is the greatest strength someone truly can express. Asking for help is not a weakness. We all need support and care. There have been so many mistakes that I have learned from with the help of mentors and friends and I want to pay it forward for life.”