FACE Teaching Fellow and Board of Directors member was honored at the 26th annual Martin Luther King Leadership Breakfast in Chesapeake, Virginia, on January 19, 2026. Martha Shirley, M.S., was the recipient of the MLK Leadership Award for Education for her service as a teacher, administrator, and professional development leader in Christian education in the Tidewater community. For over 40 years, Martha has served at Stonebridge School, training staff and parents. She is a leader in the Principle Approach^® education movement, impacting several generations of children, parents, and teachers.

The MLK breakfast honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King and highlights the service of community members, including businesses, first responders, civic leaders, and educators. The event was founded by Bishop E.W. Jackson, Sr., and his wife, Theodora Jackson, and is offered to the local community with the support of The Called Church. Theodora is head of the church’s Principle Approach School in Chesapeake, VA., Maximum Potential Christian Academy.