Stephanie Martin works at Clarkston Junior High with the role of a Positive Behavior Interventionist, and she is also a licensed social worker. Before serving as an interventionist at CJHS, she used to work in special education. After she got the offer to work in the Clarkston School District, she jumped on it right away.
“I saw the job description and thought: this is everything I do and everything I am. I left a job I love to come here, but of course, there are perks to being here,” Martin said.
Throughout Martin’s life, she has wanted to explore multiple careers. After thinking about being a fashion designer, a pilot, or even a baker, she decided to stick with the idea of working in education. As she came into this job, she learned that there was not enough communication throughout the school system.
“I learned that the biggest challenge in this building is communication. People misread each other and quickly judge or make assumptions,” Martin said. “And I learned that when we bring kids together to do a circle or whatever it may be, 99% percent of the time they haven’t properly communicated.”
After being in the position for 3 years, she says that you need certain qualities to thrive in this job. Martin says that you have to see everyone and love everyone equally. She also explains how to become a Positive Behavior Interventionist.
“Are you patient and understanding? Would you open up to some people that you may not connect with? But if you can’t see everyone as equals and love everyone equally, then I don’t think that you would thrive in this position,” Martin said. “If you want to do this role, you can be a teacher or a counselor; the job is pretty much open to anyone in education.”
