Residents - 2011-2012

Renee Lewis

Renee recently moved to Memphis from Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University in 2008 with a degree in Child Development. Renee has been working with children for the past two years and is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Martin Institute. 

“I am so excited to be included in this innovative program. This year is going to be such a wonderful learning experience. I look forward to honing my skills as an educator and learning more about schools in Memphis. ”

Kate Smith

Kate graduated this year from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History. While completing her degree, she gave admissions and historical tours of UVa as a University Guide and served the Charlottesville community through the Abundant Life tutoring program and her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Her college career also included a study abroad stint in Lyon, France, which catered to her passion for French language and culture (and food!). A native Memphian, she graduated in 2007 from St. Mary’s Episcopal School and is excited to be returning home this year!

“I have chosen to be a Martin Institute Resident because of the immersive opportunity it offers to learn in the classroom. Learning from the array of seminars and the experiences in different grade levels and at different schools, we are given the tools necessary for confidence and success in our own abilities, which we will be able to share. I am looking forward to a better understanding of myself and of my goals for the future!”

Martrice Shelton-Caswell

Martrice is a native of Memphis, TN. She is a graduate of Rust College in the small town of Holly Springs, MS. She majored in Early Childhood Education and Child Care Management. While at Rust College, she was an active member of the BSU Baptist Student Union Gospel Choir, a RCB Cheerleader, a part of the Ladies Bearcat Softball team and a Junior Recruiter for the college. She enjoys working with children at her church where she is an outstanding youth leader and mentor.

“I chose the Martin Institute because I felt like it would be a wonderful and outstanding opportunity for me to brighten my mind on the road of becoming a teacher. The Martin Institute gives me the experience I need to succeed in the classroom. Working with children is not something I like to do. Working with children is something I love to do; it’s not a hobby, it’s my passion.”

Family and education is the most important thing in my life because without those two things I probably won’t succeed in the future.

Julia Santos

A native Memphian Julia began her education career teaching secondary social studies at Bartlett High School followed by 10 years in urban education and camp ministry. After starting a family she returns to education pursuing a Masters in Special Education at the University of Memphis with a concentration in reading. Alongside her husband, TR, Julia enjoys sharing her passion for the outdoors and athletics with their three children TR (8), Elaina (6), and Wade (3). This year they are all exceptionally excited about partnering to establish their special needs camp, Camp Barnabas-Memphis, for special needs kids. With the first summer completed they look forward to many years ahead.

“I am honored and so excited to be chosen as a Martin Resident for the 2011–2012 academic year. The Martin Institute provides an exceptional opportunity for an educator to acquire refined training in the unique profession of teaching. A strong understanding of differentiated instruction and the integration of technology into an educator’s skill is a must in today’s classroom. The Martin Institute provides an excellent opportunity to receive applied professional instruction in preparation for a successful career in today’s education.

Dustin Hutson

I am a native Mississippian .I graduated in 2008 from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Psychology. While at Delta State I was an active member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. I enjoy playing golf and church softball. In my free time I like hanging out with my two labs Delta and Bowden. I own a home and five acres of land in Olive Branch MS. My family is very important to me. I am a proud uncle of a niece and nephew. We all enjoy spending time together and taking family vacations. Ienjoy traveling and have had the opportunity to travel to many places in the United States. One of my favorite trips was to New York to see the Yankees play in Yankee stadium before they moved to their new stadium. I have also been fortunate enough to travel through England with friends. I enjoy History and follow politics. I am a Christian and my faith is the most important thing in my life.

“I applied for the Martin Institute because coming from a family of teachers and having a passion for sports it seemed only natural to combine my passions and abilities and use them to teach, mentor and coach young people. I am so excited to have been selected to participate in the teacher residency program because I know that exceptional teachers who have the highest expectations for their students will mentor me. I will be given every opportunity to learn and to grow as an educator so that I can become the example, teacher and coach that I want to be. The experiences and exposure to all areas of education will set me on to path to fulfilling my dreams of teaching and coaching.”

Alyssa Champion

Alyssa recently moved to Memphis from Raleigh, North Carolina. In May, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Photojournalism and Political Science. Alyssa inspires to serve the city of Memphis through urban education and is extremely excited about all she will learn from the Martin Institute.

"I have chosen to be apart of the Martin Institute because my heart goes out for Memphis. I know after completing this program that I will be an effective and innovative educator. I am so honor and blessed to have the opportunity to shadow some of the greatest educators in Memphis. I look for to what God is going to do in this year."