2015 Distinguished Service Award Recipient: Chet Martine

Chet Martine received for the San Francisco Education Fund’s 2015 Distinguished Service Award.“Where’s Grandpa Chet?”That’s not something you’ll often hear in Marna Blanchard’s humanities classes at Francisco Middle School. That’s because Chet Martine, better known as Grandpa Chet, spends more than 25 hours a week volunteering in her class.But, when he spends time visiting his biological grandchildren, his adopted grandkids at Francisco Middle School are asking when he’s coming back.Chet, a retired lawyer, has won the hearts of even the most challenging students over the last eight years he’s volunteered with Ms. Blanchard.“He has taken on working with some of my most difficult and disorganized students, checking in with them and making sure they have the necessary materials to engage in the work,” Ms. Blanchard explained. “One student that I have a hard time reaching, finding the key to his learning, he always asks for Grandpa Chet. ‘He just knows how to help me,’ he says. Another student says, ‘I get it when Grandpa Chet explains it.’”Chet does a little bit of everything, from editing the class website to teaming up with Ms. Blanchard for additional instruction on various topics. He even purchases much needed supplies for her class.When it came time to read the novel Witness, Chet made sure there were enough so each student in the eighth grade could have his or her own copy. “To have your own book does a lot for engagement and learning,” Ms. Blanchard said.Chet also donated more than 100 ties, leading to the creation of formal Fridays at the school.“Chet gives without a thought of what it is in it for him,” Ms. Blanchard said. “His only goal to help our students learn and achieve. He lets each and every student know that he or she can do anything if they are willing to work for it. That he and others like him will be there to help!”But while the students call him Grandpa Chet, he’s made another name for himself with Ms. Blanchard, who calls him her co-teacher.“Most of all, and something that we could not do without, he is the third teacher on our team,” she said. “With 20% of my class identified with an individualized learning plan or special needs, he gives me the time and space to work with students who need the most help. It’s great because we can address the needs of all students. Chet will work with a small group of students, or while I work with a small group, he will move around checking to make sure the other students are on task and assist as needed. This is priceless as many, many more of my students are not only able to learn to engage in their learning, but also to earn passing grades and raise their test scores.”Chet also sits down with Ms. Blanchard and the other humanities teacher to map out upcoming units, where he’ll offer insights and suggestions that enhance instruction and student engagement.“Over the years he has worked with our school, the overall climate of the school has changed,” Ms. Blanchard explained. “Students see his consistency and feel loved and supported. They know he comes from across the Bay just to help them. That kind of investment makes a big impact. My own teaching instruction has continued to grow and improve with his support.”Chet volunteers at Francisco Middle School through the Education Fund's General Classroom Support Program.