Martin County educators reflect on family legacies and representation ahead of district Black History Month celebration

On the Martin County School District's monthly podcast, host Kirsty Germain spoke with Dr. Kimberly McCarty of Stewart Middle School and Joshua Perry, an instructional coach at the district office, about family teaching legacies and how educators mark Black History Month in local classrooms.

Both guests traced their interest in education to family members who taught and led at Martin County schools. Dr. McCarty said her parents, Alvin and Gloria McCarty, were longtime district educators; she said her mother served about 37 years as a teacher and guidance counselor and remained involved in schools through volunteering until she died in 2023. "It's been so rewarding," McCarty said of working with students.

Perry, a former teacher of the year who studied at Florida Gulf Coast University, said he returned to Port Salerno to continue a family tradition of service while creating his own path. "The students are family," he said, describing his motivation to teach and coach.

Both speakers described concrete classroom approaches for Black History Month. McCarty said her classes observe daily Black History facts and that she shares personal and family stories with students to give local meaning to lessons. "Things are different but then there are so many things that are still the same," she said, underscoring continuity between historic challenges and present-day lessons.

Germain used the episode to promote the district's second annual Black History Month celebration, scheduled for Feb. 21 at 9 a.m. at Stewart Middle School; she said all district schools will participate with performances and displays showcasing what students have learned for the month.

The episode closed with the host thanking the guests and reminding listeners the podcast returns next month on the 15th.