Gerald DeGrange, Principal
Brunswick Elementary School
Frederick County Public Schools
Nominated by JoAnne Carter
MSDE
-The U.S. Department of Education recently applauded Brunswick Elementary for reducing achievement gaps in both reading and math, as well as our family-engagement strategies. The staff of Brunswick Elementary truly believe that every child can succeed.
Diana Kolego
Teacher, Hickory Elementary School
Harford County Public Schools
Nominated by Secretary Margaret Spellings
- Ms. Diana Kolego named as Maryland’s 2006 Star of Teaching. Ms. Kolego is the recipient of the No Child Left Behind 2006 American Star of Teaching Award. The honor is given annually to one teacher in each state by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize teachers who demonstrate effective teaching practices. More than 4,000 teachers were nominated this year.
Rhonda Gray Pitts
Principal, Bladensburg Elementary School
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Nominated by the school community
- Ms. Pitts is the recipient of The Washing Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. For the past five years, Ms. Pitts has worked diligently to create a center of academic excellence for the diverse population of students at Bladensburg Elementary School. For the past 28 years, she has served as a teacher and educational administrator. Ms. Pitts continuously supports the growth of her staff as well as her students.
Ruth Eisenhour
Environmental Science Teacher
Harford Glen Environmental Education Center
Nominated by Dennis Kirkwood, Harford County Public Schools
- After many years of bringing nature to life for students, Ms. Eisenhour has earned recognition. Ms. Eisenhour recently was named one of three Maryland finalists for an award from the National Science Foundation for science and math teachers. Ms. Eisenhour has been teaching for 19 years. There is a level of excitement she brings to her teaching every day that is her baseline; she loves life and she loves teaching.
R. Paul Foster
Graphic Arts Teacher, Sollers Point Technical High School
Baltimore County Public Schools
- Is the recipient of the Education Awards of Excellence. The award is presented annually to one academic representative in recognition of outstanding contributions to education and training in the graphic arts. Mr. Foster has been teaching Graphic Communications for 7 years. Mr. Foster has helped teachers move forward with PrintEd, a national accreditation for graphic communications program. In 2005, Mr. Foster was named the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce High School Teacher of the Year.
Thomas M. Saunders
Principal, Elkridge Landing Middle School
Howard County Public Schools
Mr. Saunders was honored with a Distinguished Educational Leadership Award from The Washington Post. Mr. Saunders believes that middle school children need structured, yet nurturing environment, even as they grow more independent. He instituted a school-wide program to improve student behavior and reduce suspensions and disciplinary referrals. Principal Saunders’ devotion for teaching middle school children began during his student-teaching experience at Elkridge Landing Middle School, and he never left. Mr. Saunders has been at the school for five years.
Donna Paoletti Phillips
Teacher, Robert Frost Middle School
Montgomery County Public Schools
Ms. Phillips, a civic education teacher at Robert Frost Middle School in Rockville, Maryland, is the recipient of the inaugural American Civic Education Teacher Award (ACETA). Ms. Phillips was recognized as ‘the cornerstone of democracy” at the Fourth Annual Congressional Conference on Civic Education, in Washington, D.C., for her exemplary work in bringing the study of the Constitution to students through the Center for Civic Education’s ‘We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution’ program. She teaches the program to her four middle school classes, as well as engages all 8th grade teachers in a school-wide simulated congressional hearing.
Raymond Peloquin
Teacher,
Carroll County Public Schools
Nominated by parents of his students
Mr. Raymond Peloquin received the Distinguished Educator of Blind Children Award from the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. Mr. Peloquin is a nationally certified teacher of the visually impaired and an orientation and mobility specialist for the Transition to Life program for middle and high school students. He was selected for his skill in teaching Braille and other related subjects and for his dedication to students.
Dr. Charles M. Christian
Professor and founding director of Black SAGA
Coppin State University
Nominated by Evelyn Adkins Carter, Perrywood Elementary School, Prince George’s County
- For the past nine years, Dr. Christian has inspired young students to learn African American history. Through the creation of Black SAGA, students have improved academically, self-esteem has improved, and in one case, a student came out of depression after becoming involved in Black SAGA. In March, 110 schools gathered to compete in the Black SAGA competition. SAGA builds vocabulary, geography, research, and SAT skills. Dr. Christian is saluted for the Pride he has created through Black SAGA.
Mat Clever
Physical Education Teacher, Howard High School, Howard County Public Schools
Nominated by Jessica Pearsall, Howard County Public Schools
- Mr. Clever has a wonderful way of building a sense of community within the school and keeps the staff informed of the achievements of the students on the team he coaches. He is consistent in his rules and expectations.
Karen Gyolai, Enrichment Teacher, Bakerfield Elementary School, Harford County Public Schools
Simone Moran, Art Teacher, Bakerfield Elementary School, Harford County Public Schools
Nominated by Eric Cromwell, Coordinator of Accelerated Programs, Harford County Public Schools
- Mrs. Gyolai and Mrs. Moran team-taught the enrichment, art, and science activity, Edible Art Palette, to connect an art lesson to a science lesson and then apply it to the student’s real world. The students worked in teams to dye frosting in the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and then created secondary colors (orange, green, purple). Finally, they frosted vanilla wafers, and once they checked for accuracy as related to the color chart, they ate them!
Chris Horne, Ronnie Voigt, Jim Sniezek, Space Day Team Leaders, Walkersville Elementary School, Frederick County Public Schools
Nominated by Maryland State Department of Education
- Thanks to the leadership of Mr. Horne, Mrs. Voigt, and Mr. Sniezek, two Space Day Teams from Walkersville Elementary School were the only winners in the entire state of Maryland to win at the International Space Day competition. Both teams won for their challenges as the “Best Overall” in a competition that included nearly 300 entries from 23 states and two countries. The Mighty Space Chefs created a menu for a pre-teen astronaut and had to consider the nutrition needed for a pre-teen in space including, calories, vitamins, and taste. The Golden Retrievers created a tool to retrieve things in space by grabbing it at a certain distance and having it retract back to them. The Team Leaders will join their students as they show their designs to NASA officials and receive their award at a ceremony hosted by Senator/Astronaut John Glenn.
Judy Dent
Principal, Patuxent Elementary School, Prince George’s County Public Schools
Nominated by Michael Powell, Patuxent Elementary School
- As the leader of Patuxent Elementary School and a role model and mentor, Mrs. Dent has succeeded in closing the achievement gap. She has done this through various programs such as the Rallying the Village Initiative and to date, this program has led to increased enrollment in the PTA, a parent liaison has been established in each classroom, there are parenting workshops for K-6, and father’s are meeting on a regularly. In addition, Mrs. Dent has lead the school in meeting AYP each year, 21 After School programs have been established, the school is internationally recognized for environmental studies, attendance has increased tremendously, and have secured more than 100 thousand dollars in grants over the last two years.
Landa Mclauren
Principal, Western High School, Baltimore City
Nominated by Anthony Williams, PTA President, Western High School
- Thanks to the leadership of Ms. Mclauren, Western High School has had 100 percent college acceptance of graduating seniors for the past three years and 96 percent for the 2005-2006 school year. Further, in the past 3-½ years, students have received more than 18.2 million dollars in scholarships and since the inception of the Maryland State HSA; the school has been rated in the top 10 percent in the state of Maryland.
Matthew Record
Snow Hill Elementary School Teacher
Worcester County Public Schools
Nominated by Barbara Witherow
- Mr. Matthew Record is a second grade teacher and “rising superstar educator” (according to his peers) and just completed his first year of teaching at Snow Hill Elementary School, a Title I and 2005 National Blue Ribbon School. He comes from a family of educators. His father is principal of Snow Hill High School and his mother is principal of Cedar Chapel Special School.
Pamela South
Greenwood Elementary School Teacher
Somerset County Public Schools
Nominated by Karen Linamen
- Ms. South, a second grade teacher, led a team of teachers in creating a Legacy Garden. This multi-grade level beautification project involved all students and was made possible through a grant Ms. South acquired. Each grade level applied real-life math application skills by plotting their garden in front of the school.
Andy Yount
Sandy Mount Elementary School Teacher/ Counselor
Carroll County Public Schools
Nominated by Barbara Guthrie and Monica Smith
- Andy Yount has been a guidance counselor at Sandymount Elementary School for the past 6 years. During this time, he has inspired thousands of students to believe in themselves, see possibilities that they did not know existed, and try skills never tried before. His classroom lessons involve creative hands-on strategies that are highly engaging for students and allow them to reflect on and practice new skills and ideas. He often involves “older” students to assist during the lesson and encourages these peer leaders to develop their leadership skills by helping younger students. His “Shakespeare for Kids” program culminates in an annual Shakespearean production by 5th grade students. Through these performances, students are provided the opportunity to develop responsibility and teamwork, as well as present artistic performances at a level not expected in such young people. Mr. Yount’s love of children, creative style, and engaging activities bring PRIDE to Sandymount Elementary School.
Patty Rassa
Sollers Point Technical High School
Baltimore County Public Schools
Nominated by Nancy Krystkiewicz & Ashley Honnora Smith
-Under the instruction of Patty Rassa, the Allied Health Program at Sollers Point is a superb program for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. Ms. Rassa’s dedication to preparing her students for clinical positions is displayed through her diligence and patience. Several students go on to successfully and immediately acquire positions within the medical field.
Seth Roberts
Urbana High School, Social Studies Teacher
Frederick County Public Schools
Nominated by Dian Nelson, FCPS Communication Coordinator
- Only two public school teams made the nation’s top 8 in the 2005 Fed Challenge economics competition. Among 280 teams, Frederick County’s Urbana High School students made the nation’s final four. Coached by social studies teacher Seth Roberts, the team devoted more than 3,500 hours to the challenge. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan posed a question for the final round of national competition. Citibank awarded the Urbana team $25,000. “This is outstanding evidence that economics education in Frederick County is first class nationwide,” says Superintendent Dr. Linda Burgee.
Ronnie Voigt
Walkersville Elementary School Teacher
Frederick County Public Schools
Nominated by Dian Nelson, FCPS Communication Coordinator
-Five years in a row, Ronnie Voigt has led elementary teams from Frederick County Public Schools to 1st-place national awards in Space Day Design Challenges competition. Eight of the student teams she coached placed first, including teams from Walkersville and South Frederick Elementary. Ms. Voigt was the Space Day spokesperson at the National Science Teacher Association Conference, where she described the excellent preparation the competition provides students. Meeting the many science, math, technology and language arts standards has required the students and Ms. Voigt to meet countless hours after school. “As the Baby Boomer generation retires, the demand for young scientists and engineers is expected to increase at almost four times the rate of all other occupations,” says Lockheed Martin’s president and CEO Robert Stevens, whose company cosponsors the Space Day event. Ms. Voigt does first-class work in preparing students for future work in critical fields that demand skills in math, science, technology and engineering.
Kim Long
Governor Thomas Johnson Middle School Counselor
Frederick County Public Schools
Nominated by Dian Nelson, FCPS Communication Coordinator
- For the first time a Maryland school counselor has received the title, “National Middle School Counselor of the Year” from the American School Counselor Association. That distinction goes to Kim Long from Governor Thomas Johnson Middle School in Frederick County. Mrs. Long is a 22-year veteran counselor. She established one of the first peer mediation programs in the county. “Anyone wanting to observe a first-class program need only go to TJ where the program models the best of how peer mediation should be done,” says colleague Peggy Throne, who nominated Mrs. Long for the state-level award that put her in the running for this outstanding national recognition.
Kathryn Jean Redmond
Westminster High School Teacher
Carroll County Public Schools
Nominated by Marjorie Lohnes, Supervisor of Career & Technology Education
- Jean Redmond has worked tirelessly to establish a National Academy Foundation , Academy of Finance Program at Westminster High School to serve juniors and seniors from all Carroll County High Schools interested in careers in the world of finance. She has attended National Academy Foundation conferences and leadership meetings and established partnerships within the business community that provided relevant opportunities for her students. Mrs. Redmond has focused and implemented the curriculum that has exposed her students to experience at Legg Mason and the Federal Reserve Bank and qualified them for paid summer internships. She is a teacher who truly models rigor, relevance and relationships in her teaching.
Sherri Kennedy
Patuxent Valley Middle School Teacher
Howard County Public Schools
Nominated by Suzanne Gross
- Sherri illustrates and inspires a willingness to tackle all jobs; none are too small nor too big for her giving heart and talented spirit to handle. When Sherri was hired at Patuxent Valley, she managed to get all 80 staff members in shape. The office hums with positive productivity and organized efficiency. All questions, big or small, are handled with a smile and the answer is given patiently. She stays late in the evening learning new programs, shopping for academic breakfasts, and then invites staff and neighbors into her home to celebrate each other. She also recognized two of our employees recently stationed in Iraq by making cards. She also wheels around our building carts that supply food for the weary and she teaches students how to scrap book their lives. Her staff believes that she never sleeps or if she does, she is dreaming up more ways to keep them organized and amazed.
Barbara Armour
Gifted/Talented/Advanced Programs Resource Teacher
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Nominated by Barbara Zelley, Gifted & Talented Coordinator
- Ms. Amour mentors and prepares students all year for the National History Day State Final and under her supervision, students in Anne Arundel County will acquire historical knowledge and develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. This year’s theme Communication in History: The Key to Understanding, offers students the opportunity to think more deeply about the relevance of three complex terms: communication, history, and understanding—not only national but global history topics.
Sandra Arnold
Central High School Media Specialist
Office of Library Media Services Project Manager
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Nominated by Shari Blohm, PG County Office of Library Media Services Supervisor
- Ms. Arnold was appointed Project Manager of a new online automation system implemented in all school libraries in Prince Georges County. As a manager, Ms. Arnold and a Library Support Team took on the responsibility to collect information determined necessary by the automation company from more than 190 county schools. During the implementation, Ms. Arnold not only met every single deadline for the automation system she also continued to successfully run her own high school library media program. Ms. Arnold’s tireless efforts and enthusiasm for the project will ensure the availability of these resources for all Prince George’s County public school students.
George Radcliffe
Maryland Association of Environment and Outdoor Education (MAEOE)
Member & Past President
Nominated by Carol Towle, Executive Director MAEOE
Mr. Radcliffe received a Disney Education Award for his creativity, innovative teaching methods and ability to inspire students, according to a press release. George will receive $10,000 and his school gets $15,000. Plus, he gets to visit Disneyland in California for a celebration.
Gregory J. McNeil
Anne Arundel County-Freetown Elementary School Teacher
Nominated by Prof. Elaine Sykes
Mr. McNeil successfully established Freetown Elementary as a participant in Black Saga Competition and Exchange City (JAYCEE) He mentors student writers chosen for the poetry competition and also coordinates yearly trip to Constitution Hall in Philadelphia. In short McNeil works to forge a lasting and dynamic link between an historic African American school and the larger community for the children in the order to give them a sense of their history and personal pride.
Lura Eckard
Special Education Teacher
Westminster West Middle School Special Education Teacher
Carroll County Public Schools
Nominated by Dianna Salm, Parent
Ms. Eckard is the Special Education Academic Development Teacher at Westminster West Middle School. She recently received a personal commendation from State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick and parent Dianna Salm for her tireless efforts in working with student Robert Salm. As a result of Ms. Eckard’s commitment to Robert’s education, both his parents and teachers have seen a vast improvement in his schoolwork and his increased maturity. Ms. Eckard helped Robert with his curriculum for high school and to ensure a smooth transition from middle school and has kept the lines of communication open with Robert’s parents.
Maryland’s Service-Learning Leadership, Service-Learning Fellows
Maryland State Department of Education
Nominated by Julie Ayers, MSDE
Maryland’s statewide Service-Learning Fellows Program will induct eight new members. This 13th annual class of inductees has succeeded in providing K-12 public school students interesting, inspiring, and academically challenging service-learning experiences. This year’s experiences include service to the United Fund and Baltimore Marathon, environmental cleanup projects, collections for the needy, and donations to an area medical center.
INDUCTEES:
Margaret Buckler, North Carroll Middle School, Family/Consumer Science Teacher, Carroll County
Jennifer Cross, Spring Ridge Middle School, Social Studies Teacher, St. Mary’s County
Cheryl Doughty, James M. Bennett Senior High School, Family/Consumer Science Teacher, Wicomico County
Katie Douglas, St. Michael's Elementary School, Language Arts Teacher, Talbot County
Joanna Heckman, Arundel Middle School, Science Teacher, A.Arundel County
Tyrone Holmes, North Caroline High School, Art Teacher, Caroline County
Bethany Restrick, Edgewood High School, English Teacher, Harford County
Cheyanne Zahrt, Lake Clifton-Eastern High School, Physics & Health Teacher, Baltimore City
Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals of the Year
Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP)
Principal Winners & Assistant Principal Winner
Nominated by MSDE
Principals:
Heath E. Morrison, Thomas Stone High School, Charles County
-Upon arrival at Thomas Stone as principal in 2000, Mr. Morrison's goal was to focus on instruction. After many meetings with parents, teachers and students the decision was made to accelerate achievement in the Advanced Placement program. When he first came to Thomas Stone only 135 students were involved in 7 different AP classes. This past year there were 850 students in the 21 AP offerings and 96 percent of them took the AP exam. Minority participation in the AP program has grown from 13 percent to 31 percent in a minority population that makes up 40 percent of the school. In addition over 68 percent of Thomas Stone students were accepted into post-secondary education-the highest in the school's history and they accumulated over $4.2 million in scholarship money-the highest in Charles County Public Schools System. Morrison is revered among educators, parents and students alike recieving the Washington Post Distinguised Educator Leadership Award and the Maryland Association of Student Council State Principal of the Year Award. According to one of his teachers, "Mr. Morrison is every teacher's dream."
Cathy J. Townsend, Salisbury Middle School, Wicomico County
-As principal since the year 2000, Towsend was challenged to create a cohesive school learning communitythat focuses on success for all. Salisbury Middle draws from a very diverse pool of students ranging from the wealthiest families in the county to those who may be homeless. The school has a 62 percent minority population, about 50 percent of students qualify for free and reduced meals (FARMS), and 14 percent of students are Special Education students. Her philosophy is that ALL middle school students are at-risk at some point of their adolescent years, so she had geared her efforts at SMS to meet success in the form of academic, social, and behavioral improvement, intervention, and achievement for her students through a plethora of programs. Some of them include: Gentlemen's Club, Ladies Club, RESPECT Campaign, Minority Achievement Academy, S.H.O.U.T.: Students Helping Other Understand Themselves Reading Rally, 21st Century After School Learning Center, and C.A.R.E.S.:Children At-Risk Educationally and Socially, and many more. Towsend was honored at the MetLife/NASSP Principal of the Year in Washington, D.C. One of her teachers noted that, "Mrs. Townsend is always seeking activities that will help others be successful...and provides opportunities that will improve or enhance [students'] potential for success."
Assistant Principal:
Lori L. Batts, Mardela Middle and High School, Wicomico County
-To improve the teaching and learning environment for special education students, Batts worked with a small group of teachers to study ideas in how to restructure the department, level caseloads, and provide more service hours in the day. They focused on "looping" in which teachers follow their students through all four years of high school. Research has shown that looping eliminates many behavior issues, results in a reduced drop our rate, and increases grade point averages. Parents are pleased with this program and a special educator said, "Ms. Batts artfully balances compassion for each student as a valued individual with the logistical concerns of meeting those individuals needs in a large high school."
2005 Chesapeake Bay Trust Educator of the Year Awards
Elementary & High School Teacher Winners
Nominated by MSDE
- The Chesapeake Bay Trust has recognized two Maryland teachers that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to Bay education, field experiences, and restoration effects, while simultaneously advancing student achievement. Each winner recieves a $2,500 award, a plaque honor his or her accomplishments, and attendance at the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators (MAEOE) conference. This year’s Chesapeake Bay Trust Teacher of the Year winners are:
Pam Sherfey, Fourth Grade, Linton Springs Elementary, Carroll County
- Each year Pam asks her students to take ownership of an ambitious environmental project to improve the water quality of local waterways. Students identify a problem, devise a plan blending science, social studies, math, and language arts throughout the process. Students present this plan school-wide explaining the need for assistance. Pam's school-wide projects include creating a wetland, installing a native garden, establishing a rain garden, and planting a meadow to provide a habitat for birds and insects.
Alan Hammond, Enviromental Science, Allegany High School, Allegany County
- Alan launched the environmental science at his school twelve years ago and has since nurtured it into one of the schools most popular programs. His students conduct in-depth studies of their local watershed and then expand those principles to gain an understanding of the Bay watershed. They discuss the cultural and economic value of the Bay and Alan often extends learning into field experiences. Under Alan's leadership the school received one of the state's first Green School Awards.
2005 Chesapeake Bay Trust Educator of the Year Awards
Chesapeake Bay Trust
Elementary & High School Teacher Finalists
Nominated by MSDE
- The Chesapeake Bay Trust Teacher of the Year Awards celebrates the contribution that Maryland teachers make to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay. They are recognized by the organization for inspiring environmental stewardship not only to students but their fellow educators as well. Each year the Trust chooses two winners-one elementary or middle school teacher and one high school teacher- who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to Bay education. This year’s Chesapeake Bay Trust Teacher of the Year finalists are:
Elementary School Teacher Finalists
• Sandra Geddes, Fourth Grade, Westbrook ES, Montgomery County
• Mary Ann Perret, First Grade, Davidsonville ES, Anne Arundel County
• Mike Powell, Sixth Grade, Patuxent ES, Prince George’s County
High School Teacher Finalists
• Billie Bradshaw, Physics, Poolesville High School, Montgomery County
• Margaret Paul, Horticulture & Environmental Science, Towson High School, Baltimore County
Francine Plotycia
Abingdon Elementary
Harford County Public Schools; Second Grade Teacher
Nominated by MSDE
- The National Science Foundation recognized Francine Plotycia as the one of the nation’s most innovative and creative educators with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award is the foundation’s highest distinction for math and science teachers at the elementary and secondary levels.
Kevin Corwin
Colonel Richardson High School
Caroline County Public Schools; Teacher
Nominated by Lisa Redmiles, Colonel Richardson HS Educator
- Colonel Richardson High School takes pride in their community by using homeroom competitions to raise money for community and charitable organizations. Mr. Corwin’s homeroom repeatedly wins these awards despite the transition of students from semester to semester. In fact his students blew away the competition in a recent can food drive with more than 577 cans collected and more than $70 raised with only 13 students.
Arundel High School Yearbook Staff & Advisor, Wanda Trimnal
Anne Arundel County Public Schools; Students & Advisor
Nominated by MSDE
- Arundel High School’s yearbook staff and their advisor, Wanda Trimnal, won a third-place category award for excellence in the Maryland Scholastic Press Association publications contest for the 2004 school. This contest allowed students to compete against other student publications within the state of Maryland.
Annapolis High School’s Literary Magazine Staff & Advisor, Leslie Gershon
Anne Arundel County Public Schools; Students & Advisor
Nominated by MSDE
- The student staff of Annapolis High School’s literary magazine won a first-place category award for excellence in the Maryland Scholastic Press Association’s 2004 publications contest. This contest allowed the students to compete against other student publications within the state of Maryland. The staff is advised by Leslie Gershon.
Second Graders of Middlesex Elementary School
Middlesex Elementary School
Baltimore County Public Schools, Students & Educators
Nominated by Kathleen Cecil
- The second graders of Middlesex Elementary School wrote and produced a play about saving trees. They also produced enviro-infomercials, which aired on their morning announcements. These ambitious second graders were encouraged to use critical and creative thinking through a recently revised Primary Talent Development curriculum entitled, “Branching Out with Trees.”
The students, along with the help of their teachers, Lynn Foertsch, Samantha Miller, Gerri Purkey, and Patricia Rock, sponsored a tree planting.
Pamela Mesta, Coordinator of ESOL Caroll County
Carroll County Public Schools; Educator
Nominated by MSDE
- Pamela Mesta earned the highest credential in the teaching profession from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in Early Childhood Generalist. Currently, Mesta works as the English for Speakers of Other Languages Coordinator (ESOL) for Carroll County Public Schools.
Jaime Jezovnik
Robert Moton Elementary School
Carroll County Public Schools; Educator
Nominated by MSDE
- Jaime Jezovnik received the highest credential in the teaching profession from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards in Early Childhood through Young Adulthood/Exceptional Needs Specialist. She was recognized as Carroll County Teacher of the Year in 2003.
Dr. Penny J. Makuchal
Worchester County Public Schools; School Nurse
Nominated by Dr. Jane W. Pruitt, Worchester County Public Schools
- Penny J. Malcuchal successfully defended her dissertation proposal in the UMES PhD program of study on Organizational Leadership in December 2004. She will be awarded her doctorate in education in May 2005. In 2005, she was named USA Today Top Public School Teachers in America, Worchester County Woman of the Year, and also received the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore- Excellence in Education Grant. In 2004, she was named Maryland School Nurse of the Year and Finalist National School Nurse of the Year.
Drs. Sarah Haines and Robert Blake, Towson University
Nominated by Dr. Sarah Haines, Towson University
- Dr. Sarah Haines and Dr. Robert Blake received a grant from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, which enabled them to incorporate Chesapeake Bay related issues into their classroom teaching. Their students were able to create a schoolyard habitat to alleviate some the water quality problems of the Bay.
Robert Gray
Baltimore County Public Schools, Teacher
Nominated by Dr. Sarah Haines, Towson University Professor of Biology
-Mr. Gray, an Essex Elementary School teacher, participated in a grant project with Towson University sponsored by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. After receiving professional development focused on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Mr. Gray created a schoolyard project for his students to alleviate the problems associated with the Bay. His class created a rain garden to collect run-off before it enters a storm drain on the school playground.
Ms. Geraldine Duval
Montgomery County Public Schools, Teacher
Nominated by Hugo Jackson, Howard County, Teacher & Veronica Henderson, Baltimore County Teacher.
- Geraldine is a strong young educator and advocate for the Maryland State Teachers Association, whose life was forever changed after a tragic car accident that left her without her fiancée and with serious physical ailments. She has managed to overcome the physical emotional limitations resulting from the accident and returned to field of education in three short months.
Sharon Malec
Allegany County Public Schools, English Teacher
Nominated by Karen Devore, Coordinator of Acceleration & Enrichment, ACPS
- Through the Great Expectations Grant and dedication of this English teacher, ninth graders at Westmar High had the opportunity to attend a professional performance of “Frankenstein” at the Cumberland Theatre and a sit down brunch @ Allegany College Culinary Café. For many this was their first live professional performing arts experience.
Audrey Stickney
Baltimore County Public Schools, Gifted & Talented Nominated by Jeanne Paynter, MSDE
-In her third year as a “Catalyst Resource Teacher” of gifted education at, Winfield Elementary, a Title I school, Audrey Stickney began her new job with others telling her “We don’t have any gifted children here.” Over the past 2 years, Audrey changed that deficit and mindset through her relentless pursuit of talent development among the children at Winfield. She conducted pull-out groups, teaching high-level reading, math, science, and social studies to students who others believed “couldn’t do it.” She held parent information meetings to educate parents to support their children and co-planned with other teachers to raise expectations for all students. As a result of her efforts, teachers now come to her with tales of “talent spotting” and students that they would like her to consider for the gifted program.
John Ceschini
Montgomery County Public Schools, Principal
Nominated by Ray Zeigler, Maryland State Department of Education
- John Ceschini is principal of Kensington Parkwood Elementary School, an arts integrated model school in Montgomery County. He was formerly principal of Rockledge Elementary School (Bowie, MD), a Maryland Blue Ribbon School that received national recognition for its fine arts program. Harvard University included Rockledge in its “Why Arts Survive” research and determined that its program is one of eight promising arts schools in the nation. The Rockledge Arts program received the 2002 Boyer Foundation Grant/Award for best practices. In 2000 Ceschini was one of four educators in the nation selected for the BRAVO Network 2000 National Arts Education award. In 1999, he received the Washington Post Outstanding Educational Leader award.
Michael Smith
Baltimore City Public Schools, Special Education Teacher
Nominated by Dionne A. Reed, Maryland State Department of Education
- An exceptional Special Education teacher at Lake Clifton High School. Mr. Smith is gifted in teaching special needs students the skills they need to function on their own as adults. His knowledge of the subject matter, patience, and genuine care for his students make him an effective and invaluable teacher in Baltimore City Schools.
Maria Lowry
Baltimore County Public Schools, Teacher
Nominated by T. Blair, Deep Creek Middle School Educator
- Maria Lowry created an atmosphere of positive learning at Deep Creek Middle School by bringing in technology and resources to expand the curriculum at her school. Her efforts to raise standards and expectations of all students and desire to increase achievement largely contributed to the school’s “magnet school” status in 2005.
Claudia Simmons
Montgomery County Public Schools, Educator
Nominated by Linda Zang, Maryland State Department of Education
- Claudia Simmons, MCPS Head Start Director, was active in an effort to improve the quality of the childcare programs in Montgomery County in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood Services and the Montgomery County Public Schools. Simmons was instrumental in this initiative to train and provide on going mentoring to childcare providers as a means of building capacity for the community-based programs serving low-income families.
Marquita Duvernay
Prince Georges County Public Schools, Educator
Nominated by Linda Zang, Maryland State Department of Education
- Marquita Duvernay, a PGPS Head Start Coordinator championed a successful partnership with the Prince Georges County Department of Health to increase the health utilization rates for Head Start children. Marquita was instrumental in establishing partnerships with Americorp and the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene that improve care to low-income children. She is also working with additional partners such as Bowie State University to address behavioral problems of children in Head Start to help them acquire social and emotional skills necessary to succeed in school.
Jillian Van Ells
Baltimore City Public Schools, Teacher
Nominated by Dr. Sarah Haines, Towson University
- Jillian was a participant in a grant project conducted by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. NOAA provided professional development for teachers that focused on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The teachers applied what they had learned in the classroom, and at the end of the school year, each teacher assisted his or her classroom students in creating a schoolyard project that would serve to alleviate some of the problems associated with the Bay. Jillian’s class created a native plant garden to collect run-off before it enters a storm drain on the school playground.
Erin Bockstie
Baltimore County Public Schools, Special Education Teacher
Nominated by Stephanie Kirby, Baltimore County Public Schools
- Erin, a Special Education Teacher at Parkville High School, is highly motivated student whose initiative and desire to go beyond the norm including a commitment to the families of her students, make her a model for families with kids with special needs. She renews parents’ confidence in the public school system and meets the unique needs of her autistic students.
Dr. Francis “Skip” Fennell
McDaniel College, Professor
Nominated by Donna Watts, Maryland State Department of Education
-Dr. Fennell was recently elected as the President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. For years Dr. Fennell has been committed to enhancing the knowledge of students and teachers about the best practices in mathematics, as chairperson of the Maryland Mathematics Commission.
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