Shannon KeoughDr. Joseph Martin is a new face on Cabrini’s campus. His warm personality and welcoming smile will be floating around the education department this year.
Martin began teaching special education and psychology classes for Cabrini last year at various off-campus locations. However, on Aug. 24, he joined the Cabrini community on campus as the new assistant professor of education.
Martin wasted no time in sharing his passion for teaching. He was overflowing with enthusiasm and excitement as he spoke about Cabrini, his students and current special education classes.
“I love working here, I love being here, it’s a great place. I am having the time of my life,” Martin said.
Martin currently resides in Hatfield Township, Pa., not far from Cabrini, with his family and two cats.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Education degree from Temple University and his doctorate in education leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Martin is also a certified school psychologist in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania.
Prior to working at Cabrini Martin taught pre-school children, high school English classes, adult public speaking, stress management, psychology and sociology classes. He also served as a school psychologist. Martin taught at the American Institute of Banking, which was affiliated with Bucks County Community College.
“I really think Dr. Martin has a lot to contribute to the educational department. He has so much background information and experience in special education. His prior studies will really help us as future teachers,” Sara Trzuskowski, senior special education and elementary education major, said.
Martin has big goals for himself and the college this year. Aside from contributing his years of experience to the department, he hopes to publish a book on special education and student teaching with another education professor.
He would also like to hold a forum on campus for special education teachers, principals, psychologists, special education administrators and parents of special education students to speak about their jobs and ask questions.
While speaking with Martin it was clear that his biggest goal for this year is to help his students. He wants them to do well and be successful in his classes and their careers.
“I want to be good for my students because I really respect them and want them to do well,” Martin said.
Martin reminisced on his years as a student and how difficult they can be with professors who don’t care or go the extra mile to help a student.
“I had some really good teachers and I had some really bad ones and what I learned from the bad ones is that I don’t want to be like them and I really believe in helping people,” Martin said.
Martin’s students have emphasized the fact that he goes above and beyond and gives attention to all of his students inside and outside the classroom.
“He doesn’t just grade papers or presentations, he makes sure that he writes what he likes and why. It is very time consuming, but he makes sure he does it for everyone,” Cullen Grant, a graduate student and special education major, said.
“I had great teachers that encouraged me and I want to be one of those teachers to somebody,” Martin said.
