There are teachers—and then there are legends. Martha Maple is both.
“Learning isn’t just for the kids.
As a teacher, you’re always a learner.”
~Martha Maple
With over 60 years of dedicated service in education—more than 50 of them spent in the classroom—Martha has taught generations of children to read, to write, and to believe in themselves. A lifelong champion of literacy, she has mentored dozens of new teachers and shaped the very landscape of education in the State of Louisiana. Her legacy is not just in the thousands of students she taught, but in the ripple effect of every life she touched—many of whom now teach, lead, and serve because she first believed in them.
“Learning isn’t just for the kids,” Martha says. “As a teacher, you’re always a learner. You’ve never reached a pinnacle of any kind.” Martha lives and breathes the art of continuous learning – even in her retirement – she continues to learn something new every day.
Martha is a woman of classic beauty and uncommon generosity. She is known for gifting her favorite books and recommending your next great nonfiction read. Martha is the one you ask, “What should I read next?” And chances are, she’s already read it twice. Her love of learning is matched only by her fierce Razorback pride—don’t even try to schedule something during a game.
Her trademark question—“Did I teach you? I think I might have!”—has led to countless heartfelt stories, tearful reunions, and joyful memories. The truth is, if you grew up in Louisiana, there’s a good chance Martha Maple taught you—or someone you love.
It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we name Martha Maple our very first Lola Legend—a woman whose legacy is written not only in books, but in hearts.