Her Story
About Martha
Martha Henderson is an Academic Coordinator and Professor based in Jacksonville, Florida. She began her career in education after initially pursuing nursing at the University of South Florida. After pivoting, she earned a Director's Credential and worked at her church daycare, later building a church school from kindergarten through 12th grade. She obtained a degree in psychology from South University and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2023. Currently, she is pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling while serving as Academic Coordinator, placing students for clinical experiences and internships, and as a professor teaching IDS 1107, Introduction to the College Experience. Henderson is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Incorporated, serving as Chaplain for the Omega Zeta Zeta chapter, and Chi Sigma Iota. She is also a Certified Facilitator for Prepared and Enriched, Department Chair for the Youth Department at her church, and Administrator for Leaders Fellowship serving over 25 churches. She attributes her success to her lineage of educators and finds reward in impacting students, following advice to pursue her own dreams after initially following others' expectations.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Martha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I come from a lineage of educators. I feel like this is one of the things that technology, AI, that can't take that away from you. There's something about a teacher or professor that cares about you that makes your experience, the light comes on. I get my greatest reward by being able to impact students in that way. Somebody was there for me, and so I take that as one of my guiding lights, trying to be impactful and make learning fun for our students.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is to follow your heart. I started out as a nurse pursuing the dream of others, but it was not until I got well into my adult years that I realized I wanted to go back into education. It would always be just follow your dream, follow your heart, and dream big. Don't let anybody deter you from that because you waste years chasing after the dreams of others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
This is a work of the heart. If your heart is not in it, you won't last long because the pay isn't good and sometimes the adversity could cause you to leave the profession. Make sure that your heart is in it because you will get your greatest reward by seeing the success of those who you impact in the classroom.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Teachers are leaving the classroom. Teaching is different now - we're teaching the tests and not really teaching for students to be viable in real world. Teachers are frustrated because they've become behavior managers and not able to teach. The pay sucks. It's hard to get people excited about teaching. They're not supported by the administration and the creativity is gone.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, transparency, consistency - those are some of the things that I hang my hat on.
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