News Detail (Connections)

Celebrating Retiring Faculty

Marti Truman
  • Science Teacher (1989–2016)
  • IB Diploma Programme Coordinator: (2007–2022)
  • Faculty Development Coach (2022–2024)
Marti Truman arrived at Trinity in 1989 and brought a passion for teaching all levels of biology and electives such as the IB Environmental Systems and Societies until 2016. A lover of the natural world, she is proud to have been the first sponsor of Trinity’s SEA Club (Students for Environmental Action) and to have led the school’s emblematic River Program with Bill Snead and Barbara Pearce for nearly two decades. 
 
Head of School Rob Short, who began teaching at Trinity the same year as Truman, praises her ability to set high expectations for students, while nurturing their natural curiosity and making them feel like scientists. “Her background in science and in teaching gave her the ability to understand how scientific pursuit actually occurs and allowed her classes to go beyond the subject itself,” says Short. “Marti’s intentionality with all she does encompasses every aspect of school life.”
 
In 2007, she became the school’s second IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, applying her attention to detail and keen data analysis skills to help students reach their potential. Students, parents and colleagues have benefitted from her ability to make complex systems simple. Under her thoughtful guidance, Trinity has cemented its status as Richmond’s first and preeminent IB World School, with 75% of students now taking at least one IB-level course. 
 
“With Marti at the helm, the IB program flourished as a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering distinction and cultivating future leaders,” says current coordinator Elizabeth Kelley. “Marti embodies the IB Learner profile, fostering a culture of inquiry, empathy, and resilience. Her leadership not only cultivates academic success but also nurtures the holistic growth of each individual, empowering them to become lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens.”
 
For her part, Truman attributes her long tenure to the sense of purpose she found in every role. “I love working with teenagers and people who love working with teenagers, I love the cycle and rhythms of the academic year, and I’m grateful for the support and opportunities to be creative,” she says. Among her accomplishments, she is proud of launching the Thomas G. Aycock Award of Distinction to honor an IB diploma candidate student that has committed to playing college athletics. She also enjoys the special recognition that IB Extended Essay students now receive through having their works published. “The celebration of the independent research journey for each student with the support of their supervisor(s) and librarian is inspiring.” 
 
Truman says she will fondly remember the fun Trinity traditions like Tour de Trinity and the Halloween pumpkin-carving contest, in which she and Sarah McDermott, history teacher, consistently raised the bar year after year with their creative and over-the-top designs.
 
In her retirement, she looks forward to “traveling with family and friends, volunteering, playing more golf, continuing to explore the world of cheese, and staying curious and creative.”
 
Thank you, Marti Truman!
 
To wish Marti Truman a word of congratulations or to make a gift to Trinity in her honor, please click here.
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Trinity Episcopal School

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