Tamala Martin

About Me

Dr. Tamala Martin brings more than three decades of experience in education and leadership to her role as Senior Instructor at Morehead State University. She began her career in Greenup County, where she taught for twelve years in the elementary classroom. Her passion for instructional excellence and student growth led her into school leadership, serving one year as assistant principal at Louisa Elementary, sixteen years as principal of Summit Elementary, and two years as assistant superintendent of Boyd County Schools. She also served the Kentucky Department of Education as an Education Recovery Leader, supporting schools in their continuous improvement efforts.

Dr. Martin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Berea College, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Morehead State University, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Leadership (K–12) from Morehead State University. She also holds certifications as an Instructional Supervisor, Elementary Principal, and Superintendent of Schools.

Throughout her career, Dr. Martin has been deeply involved in advancing literacy and professional learning. She has served as a trainer for the National Reading Styles Institute, a district team member for SACS accreditation, and co-director of the Read to Achieve component of the Kentucky Reading Project. She has presented at numerous state and national conferences and remains an active member of the Kentucky Reading Association and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association.

Dr. Martin’s work reflects her lifelong commitment to empowering educators, supporting student success, and promoting innovative, research-based instructional practices across Kentucky’s schools.