News Release
For Immediate Release
November 22, 2024
Contact
Gina Patterson, executive director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
Henry County School Board Chair Teddy D. Martin, II, Honored with
2024 VSBA Advocate for Education Award
Charlottesville, VA – The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) proudly announces Teddy D. Martin, II, chair of the Henry County School Board, as the recipient of the 2024 VSBA Advocate for Education Award. This award recognizes school board members who have demonstrated significant and outstanding leadership, commitment, and contribution to public education that has had an impact on their region and the Commonwealth, and who have shown active involvement in local, state, and federal advocacy on behalf of their school division, VSBA, and public education. This is the 10th year the award has been presented. The 2024 award was sponsored by BoardDocs.
Serving the Henry County School Board since 2017, Martin has demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication to advancing educational opportunities and infrastructure for students in Henry County and across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Teddy Martin brings heart and tenacity to his role on our board,” stated Henry County Public Schools Vice-Chair Benjamin Gravely. “He has exemplified the true definition of “Advocacy” when it comes to Education. He has championed issues that matter most to our students and families, and we’re incredibly thankful for his voice and steadfast leadership.”
“Teddy Martin exemplifies the heart of educational advocacy. Through steadfast commitment and exceptional leadership, he has amplified the voices of students, families, and educators across Virginia,” stated Henry County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis. “His tireless efforts in engaging community leaders, local organizations, and policymakers have fostered a more inclusive and supportive foundation for public education. His work not only strengthens his community but inspires all of us to champion the future of education across the Commonwealth.”
Martin has served in various roles within the VSBA, including Blue Ridge Regional Chair (2018-2020), President-Elect (2020-2021), President (2021-2022), Immediate Past President (2022-2023), and currently as the Co-Chair of the VSBA Workforce Readiness Task Force. He served on the VSBA Executive Committee from 2019-2023. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he represented the VSBA on the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Education Response and Recovery Work Group, helping to guide schools through this challenging period.
In Henry County, Martin has been instrumental in local educational initiatives as well. He has led the School Board through a Superintendent search, advocated for equitable 1% sales tax funding use, and supported accessibility projects, including fundraising with the Lions Club for an inclusive playground at Meadow View Elementary. With the first allocation of the 1% sales tax funding, he has overseen the addition of elevators at elementary schools and construction of new field houses to support school athletics and safety.
On a national scale, Martin’s impact extended during his VSBA presidency, where he joined the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA). He served on COSSBA’s Founding and Transition Steering Committee from 2021-2022 and the Governmental Affairs Advocacy Committee from 2022-2023, where he met with Congressional leaders to advocate for educational priorities.
About the Virginia School Boards Association
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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