Martha Aastrup Ban is a third-generation Adventist educator whose passion for teaching began early. She informally launched her teaching journey in the 8th grade by tutoring first-grade students in reading. She later earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Atlantic Union College and an M.S. in Education with an emphasis in Reading, along with a Certificate in Instructional Technology, from Framingham State College.

Martha’s teaching career spans more than two decades, with experience from kindergarten through college in both Massachusetts and Maine. She spent several years in one- and two-room schools, developing a deep appreciation for the dedication of overextended teachers and a commitment to supporting them in practical ways. While she enjoyed teaching at all grade levels, she found her greatest joy working with students in grades 5–8, where she loved blending engaging content with technology integration. She also contributed as editor and writer for the Atlantic Union Teacher Bulletin and later served at Griggs International Academy as curriculum specialist, webmaster, and instructor.

After 26 years in the classroom, Martha transitioned her focus to the North American Division Office of Education, where she now serves as Director of Technology. In this role, she oversees technology initiatives across the Division, most notably the development and management of AE-Connect, the NAD’s student information system. Her guiding motivation remains the same: to support Adventist educators by equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.

Beyond her professional role, Martha enjoys camping, gardening, model railroading, reading, and spending time with family. She and her husband, Gerry—who recently retired as Associate Director of Education for the Mid-America Union Conference—have been married for more than 40 years and are the proud parents of two adult children.