Type Of Business:
Children's Book Publishing
Marketing Area:
National through websites, conventions , workshops
Homeschooling Conventions,
Science Teacher's Conventions
Expertise:
Writing Science Textbooks for Children K-12 Grade, Hands-On Earth Science Activities
Giving workshops to students and adults on science
Major Product/SVS:
Science Textbooks and Earth Science Kits
Favorite Business Publication:
Scientific American,
Nature
Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling,
Photography,
Swimming
Education Degrees:
Masters Degree in Education and Science, Western Oregon University (1995); Bachelor of Arts in Education, California State University at Northridge (1962)
Affiliations Awards:
National Education Association;
Oregon Education Association;
Oregon Science Teacher Association;
American Association of University Women
Place of Birth:
Conway, Arkansas
Industry:
Science Textbook Publishing
Children's Names:
Richard Martin & Brett Martin
Date of Distinction:
9/6/2007
Work History:
Teacher for Salem Keiser Public Schools and Redondo Beach Public Schools
Career Achievements:
She has had a number of articles written about her work with students on science projects they have completed.
She has written over 29 books on science: five Activity Books for PreK- 2nd grade students, nine Level 1 Books are for 3rd-6th grade students, six Level 2 Books for middle and high school students, eight teacher notebooks for teachers on Earth Science a writing book on natural disasters for English students,
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
We feel that our textbooks are unique. Our books are written from a teacher's point of view about what children can learn and remember in a single lesson. Each lesson is short and covers one topic. A hands-on activity accompanies each lesson and reinforces the student's understanding of the topic. The activities are easy for students to complete and fun to do. This translates into students enjoying science and looking forward to the their science classes. Teachers and parents like the lessons because they are easy to teach and the hands-on activities are easy to complete with a minimum of materials.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
The Ring of Fire textbooks were on display in Australia as part of a display on Earth Science material available to the public.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
She would like to be remembered as a person who taught children to love Earth Science.
If you could solve one problem in the world today, what would it be?:
She would like every child in America to have a good education and finish high school. All children who finish high school and want to attend college should have a free education.
Expanded Biography:
Growing up near the ocean Myrna came to love the outdoors and wanted to be a scientist. There were few jobs available so she became a teacher using hands-on activities to teach her students about science. She became interested in geology after the eruption of Mount Saint Helens. After retiring she wrote a book on the identification of igneous rocks. A family business was started featuring Earth Science materials with hands-on activities. Recently she finished a series of DVDs that introduce all the lessons in her Level 1 and Level 2 books.
Spouse's Name:
R. Thomas Martin
Highlight of career?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career is knowing that children across the United States enjoy her books. She especially likes it when children come up to her at a workshop or convention and talk about things they learned since studying her books.
Charity:
Nature Conservancy,
Doctors Without Borders,
Scio Lamb Fair
Number Of Years In Profession:
46
Number Of Years In Current Position:
12
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She has always been a person who enjoyed a challenge. She enjoys the challenge of writing science books that students will enjoy. She attributes her success also to the help her family both personally and professionally has given her.
How Did They Get Involved In Profession:
She was a teacher for 35 years before retiring and starting her new profession as author and publisher of science materials. She taught elementary school for a number of years where she taught about current events such as the eruption of Mount Saint Helens in 1980. After receiving her Master's Degree she taught middle school Earth Science. Upon retirement she felt there was a need for science books that included hands-on activites with every lesson.
Extended Bio Profile:
As of 2007 she has published 21 textbooks and 8 teacher notebooks on Earth Science.
She is an avid outdoors person.
Trained and trialed Border Colies in the Pacific Northwest
4-H Leader for 15 years