State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick today announced the names of eight finalists for the 2009 Maryland Teacher of the Year.
“This year’s finalists demonstrate unwavering enthusiasm to teaching and determination in improving the achievement of Maryland’s children,” said Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. “They unequivocally deserve our recognition as well as our respect.”
The finalists (in alphabetical order by jurisdiction) include: John Billingslea, Baltimore County; Mary Catherine Stephens, Carroll County; Sharon Thomas, Cecil County; William Thomas, Prince George’s County; Sharon Richards, Somerset County; Julie Harp, Talbot County; Debra Wilkins, Wicomico County; and Amy Gallagher, Worcester County.
The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, teacher unions, students, parents and higher education. Finalists were measured against a rigorous set of national criteria that include teaching philosophy, community involvement, knowledge of general education issues, and suggestions for professional and instructional improvement. Oral interviews with the seven finalists will be conducted on September 6th.
The 2009 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced on October 3rd during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s West. The winner will receive cash awards, technology equipment, national travel opportunities, and a new car valued at over $25,000, donated by Maryland Automobile Dealers Association, a presenting sponsor.
Presenting sponsors of the Maryland Teacher of the Year program are Maryland Automobile Dealers Association, and McDonald’s Family of Greater Baltimore, and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. Platinum sponsors are Bank of America, Comcast, Lockheed Martin, Verizon Maryland, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Gold sponsors are The Baltimore Sun, Joe Corbi’s Pizza, Maryland State Teachers Association, M&T Bank, State Farm Insurance Company, and WJZ 13.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year will go on to compete for the esteemed National Teacher of the Year Award. The winner will also spend the coming year as a speaker and advisor in Maryland. The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be honored by the President at the White House next spring, and will participate in National Space Camp with fellow State Teachers of the Year.
Additional information on the eight finalists is as follows:
Baltimore County – Franklin High School
John Billingslea, Social Studies, 11-12 grades
John Billingslea, a graduate of Washington College and the College of Notre Dame of Maryland with degrees in psychology and educational leadership, became a teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools in 1994. Currently teaching AP social studies at Franklin High School in Reisterstown, he was named College Board AP Teacher of the Year in 2005 and works with many state and national professional associations. In addition to his success as an educator – his students alone account for nearly 30 percent of Franklin’s AP test-takers – he is also a champion of “the artistry of teaching,” dedicated to promoting the profession, teacher recruitment and teacher retention.
Carroll County – Winfield Elementary School
Mary Catherine Stephens, Math, Science, Social Studies, 5th grade
Mary Catherine Stephens received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Master of Science Degree in Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University. Cathy’s colleagues visit her 5th grade classroom at Winfield Elementary School observing math and technology lessons. Recently, she presented a countywide seminar entitled Making Multiple Math Groups Work. School involvement has included: Chairman of the Technology Committee, Instructional Support Team representative, science and math committees, PTA teacher representative, parent workshop facilitator, and coordinator of online science MSA testing. Student centered, Cathy volunteers her time providing after school tutoring.
Cecil County – Elkton High School
Sharon L. Thomas, English, 9-11 grades
Sharon Thomas received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from James Madison University and Master of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from Towson University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher. She teaches all levels of English in grades 9 through 11 and serves as head of the school’s literacy program. Her creation of this program and its job-embedded staff development, have led to the school’s receipt of the Literacy Initiative Award from the state reading association. Ms Thomas writes county curriculum and is a member of the School Improvement Team and Instructional Cabinet. She co-facilitates the Cecil County support network for National Board candidates and mentors new teachers.
Prince George’s County – Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School
William Thomas, AP & LSN Government, 10th grade
William Thomas, a graduate of the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY) received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies and a Master’s Degree from Bowie State University. He recently completed the process for National Board Certification. Mr. Thomas excels as a leader and has acted as department chair, team leader, and mentor teacher. He reaches out to students beyond the classroom, and has mentored young men through The Gentlemen’s Club, sponsored Black Saga and Stock Market Game teams, and coached students for Mock Trials. Mr. Thomas has been teaching for the Prince George’s County Public Schools system since 1998.
Somerset County – J. M. Tawes Technology & Career Center, Marion Peyton School
Sharon Richards, Special Education, 7-12 grades
Sharon Richards graduated from University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education. As special education teacher and the program coordinator for Somerset County’s Behavioral and Social Emotional Support Program, Ms. Richards designs and implements a positive behavioral program to foster academics and therapeutic counseling for students who have been identified with emotional disturbances. Sharon was a participant in the 2007-2008 Governor’s Academy of Algebra and Data Analysis, the Eastern Shore Math Consortium II, the MSA 2009 Mod-Math Item Review III, and the Washington Legacy Project. She has served as President of the Crisfield Little League and is a charter member of the Crisfield Lions and Lioness Club.
Talbot County – Easton Middle School
Julie Harp, Science, 8th grade
Julie Harp, an 8th grade science teacher at Easton Middle School, received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Salisbury University in 1994 and was inducted into the Tri Beta and Kappa Delta Phi organizations. She obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Education from Salisbury University in 1998. Mrs. Harp is the science department chair at Easton Middle School and a member of the School Improvement Team. Her other activities include, EMS Saturday School Coordinator, Study Island Teacher, and assistant field hockey coach for Easton High School. Julie Harp resides with her family in East New Market, Maryland.
Wicomico County – North Salisbury Elementary School
Debra Wilkins, All subjects, 5th grade
Debra Wilkins, a graduate of Salisbury University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education is a 28 year veteran at North Salisbury Elementary School in Salisbury, Maryland. Debra’s enthusiasm for learning is contagious and goes beyond her high achieving classroom to include all students. She engages students in instruction that promotes civic responsibility, patriotism, and cultural diversity. Her commitment to the teaching profession extends beyond the classroom as she mentors interns and serves on the PDS Coordinating Council for the Salisbury University Professional Development Program. She further supports student achievement by serving as a mentor for the Wicomico Mentoring Project.
Worcester County – Stephen Decatur Middle School
Amy Gallagher, Social Studies, 8th grade
Amy Gallagher graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Sociology, and from Salisbury University with a Master of Arts in Teaching. Nationally Board Certified, Amy teaches eighth grade U.S. History at Stephen Decatur Middle School. She teaches her students that U.S. History is more than a series of facts and dates; it is a collection of stories that helps define our culture. By implementing activities that bring history alive, Amy actively engages her students and helps them develop a deep interest in Social Studies. Amy’s leadership role continues outside the classroom in Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for Women Educators.