Biography of Loretta J. Martin, Ed.D

    Dr. Loretta J. Martin is a retired Chicago Public School teacher, counselor and administrator who successfully ran the largest Driver Education Program in the nation. She has also taught part time at Northeastern Illinois University and Northwestern University. She has taught parenting classes and has been a state certified addictions counselor for the past ten years.

She is one of the last of the “old school” educators who is still in touch with hundreds of her former students. A curious colleague once asked a student, “why do you all love Martin so much?” The reply was “because she is such a good role model.” To Loretta, that is one of the greatest compliments that anyone who works with children, could receive.  

    In addition to her national speaking engagements in schools, conferences, churches and retreats, she has traveled to five countries in Africa, as well as to Europe, South America and various islands in Central America. In her travels she visits schools and homes in order to assess the differences and commonalities of educational practices and the culture of the people.

Loretta is an active member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc., and three alumni groups at Wendell Phillips High School Academy.  She also volunteers as a mentor and provides tutorial services for the students. In her spare time, she teaches line dancing and Chicago Style Stepping to adults and children.

    She is the Founder and President of the Hall-Martin Foundation, Inc. that has awarded scholarships to graduating high school seniors for the past 23 years. Loretta and her 4 adult children are investors in real estate and operate a family owned Smoothie Factory business in Dallas, Texas. This closely knit family prays together every Sunday night with a conference call. Their love for each other is  expressed openly and they are leaving a legacy for their children and for generations to come.

    Loretta and her smooth dancing partner can be seen weekly on the TV show

“Can I Step with You” on Channel 19 in Chicago and they recently performed at the world famous Chicago Theater in a musical titled “Serendipity- Seniors on Stage.” Seated proudly in the audience were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. “Now that’s what I call

“flipping the script” says Loretta. “Grandmas are usually in the audience.”