Sodus Bay with life ring
   
  name
  As a child in Rochester, New York, Martha E. Kendall loved to visit her grandparents’ cottage on Sodus Bay, climb the maple trees in her front yard, ride horses, play the piano and cello, and read biographies. She had no idea that she would one day write biographies herself—and many other kinds of books, too.

 

 

flapper

 Marty loved school, but one year she was frustrated by an un-inspiring teacher (who shall remain anonymous). Marty was determined to do better, and she has…

 

 

She turned blonde for her graduation

martha graduate
Marty promises never to do this to her hair again.

 

 

 
  mexico  
 
 

            At age 17, Marty spent a fabulous summer as an exchange student in Mexico City. That life-changing experience prompted her to major in Spanish in college.  She ended up graduating with highest honors from the University of Michigan with degrees in both English and Spanish. 

 
  stanford  
            At Stanford University she earned a Master’s in English. Then at San Jose State University she added another Master’s in Social Science with a concentration in Women’s Studies.

 

  

 

 
  marty at college  
 
 

            Marty chairs the English Department at San Jose City College and directs the Teaching and Learning Center, whose mission is to improve student learning in all subjects.  She is the senior Executive Editor of College Teaching, an international journal published in Washington, D.C.  She has won many awards for her achievements, and she is much in demand as a speaker at educational conferences across the country.

  

 

  National Women's Hall of Fame
              Marty was featured at the 150th anniversary of the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York.  She speaks to many women’s groups – AAUW, NOW, League of Women Voters, etc.