Alum and former j-school lecturer, new Globe & Mail standards editor

After graduating from the School of Journalism in 1992, Martin returned in 2018 to teach editing essentials, feature writing, and, magazine editing with the late Stephen Trumper. 

“I enjoyed teaching a lot,” said Martin, “I wanted to get involved with the school.” 

Martin has held some of the most senior positions in Canadian journalism. In 2021, Martin became the head of the newsroom development for the Globe and Mail responsible for staff training and management. Martin also worked alongside newsroom managers to determine current and future training and development needs.

She’s also served as editor-in-chief for Rogers Media, Money Sense and Canadian Living magazines.

In June, when Sylvia Stead retired as public editor, Martin was appointed to replace her, in a role renamed as standards editor.

It means she is charged with maintaining the credibility and transparency of published articles to hold the Globe and Mail responsible for publishing ethical and accurate journalism.

“Not only do I look at the standards of the Globe and Mail, but also the standards of our community and the conversations that happen within our communities,” says Martin. 

“I have been enjoying it a lot so far,” says Martin. 

The Globe and Mail is one of only four media organizations in Canada to have a role called either ombuds (CBC and Radio-Canada) or public editor (Toronto Star) according to an international organization (external link)  “dedicated to protecting and enhancing quality journalism by encouraging respectful and truthful discourse about journalism’s practices and purposes.” 

Martin said her four years as a part-time instructor at her alma mater helped prepare for her role as standards editor.

She was an admired and respected instructor, according to former students.  

J-School ‘22 alum Naama Weingarten only has positive things to say about Martin after taking her feature writing class last year. 

“Sandra was incredible and genuinely one of the best professors I’ve ever had,” says Weingarten, “She encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone.”

Weingarten works for the CBC as an associate producer and attributes Martin for her successful career. 

“Thanks to Sandra, I got my first ever feature published on Vice,” says Weingarten.