Dear Briarwood Christian School community,
With great pleasure and excitement, I am looking forward to becoming the next Superintendent at Briarwood Christian School. I wholeheartedly believe God has brought us together and am honored to have been chosen to serve the students, families, faculty, and staff of Briarwood.
I humbly offer more than 25 years of career experience in Christian schools and a personal passion for successful Christian education that has grown with each of those years. It is my desire to carry forward, support, and build on the exceptional prior leadership of Briarwood Christian School, its board, and the admirable work and achievements of the Briarwood faculty and staff.
For the past five years, I have served Life Christian Academy as Head of School. During this time, our school has become the educational ‘jewel’ of Tacoma. Being unwavering in our Faith and holding firm to God’s Word has been pivotal in this journey and what LCA has become known for.
Prior to this, I served as Head of Secondary School at a vibrant preschool-12th grade Christian school in Brisbane, Australia. My journey in education began as a high school Science and Computer Studies teacher and has included several subjects at all grade levels. I have also served in positions as Head of Faculty, Head of Grade, and Senior Curriculum Management.
I believe in offering students a well-rounded education. The spiritual growth and discipleship of the students is paramount – a Christian school is a great place to teach our students to love the Lord. School should be both productive and fun. A safe environment where faith is nurtured, community contribution is valued, and students are academically stretched, provides a sound foundation for life and influence both within and beyond school. As an education leader, I am committed to being accessible; valuing partnership between parents and school; and maintaining a clear focus on quality academic instruction and co-curricular opportunities that impart invaluable life lessons, skills, and experiences. I understand what it takes to maximize the benefits of being a ministry of a Church and how to lead a two-campus school following first-hand experience.
By God’s grace, He has blessed me in the ministry of Christian education, and I am trusting that He will do the same at Briarwood.
My wife Felicity and children Jake (21), Gabby (19), and Jani (16) are equally anticipating the move from Tacoma to Birmingham. We will be recognizable by our big smiles and Australian accents! Jake is a rising senior at Grand Canyon University studying business, Gabby a rising sophomore at TCU studying kinesiology (and is on the track team), and Jani will be a junior at BCS and is an avid tennis player. As a family, we share an active interest in health and athletics and a high appreciation for the arts. We also enjoy participating together in the church community – serving, growing, and building relationships. We are eager to immerse ourselves into the BPC community. Felicity is an accomplished musician and has worked in Christian schools for more than 23 years.
In the time we have spent with the people from Briarwood Christian School and the Briarwood Presbyterian Church communities, Felicity and I have been impressed by not only the school itself but also the hospitality we experienced. It is apparent that the students and staff love their school! We know we will feel at home in Birmingham and our children will as well. Thank you for your warm welcome.
Once we have arrived in Birmingham, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have. Throughout my career, many have commented that I treat all students as if they were my own children. Please be assured I will work tirelessly to ensure all students and families experience the best possible education at Briarwood Christian School.
Yours faithfully,
Gus Martin
