Matthew Ravenscroft is a thirteen-year veteran social studies teacher who began teaching at Westmar High. He is currently at Mountain Ridge High, where he teaches AP Government, government, and Historical Research Methods. Matt is the Government Bridge coordinator and has served as student council adviser and as mentor teacher. Matthew earned a Doctorate of Education from Frostburg State University, and has a Master's Degree and Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. He volunteers in his church and in his daughter's school. Matt was also honored in 2012 when he was named the Maryland State VFW Teacher of the Year.
Joshua Carroll is committed to student success inside of the classroom and in life. A 1999 graduate of Boston College, Josh has a BA in English. Currently a teacher in the STEM department, Josh teaches project-based learning while serving as the interim department chairperson. He believes that student success is created through meaningful relationships. Josh is a member of the Principal's Leadership Team and chairperson for the Student Recognition Committee. In addition, he is the head cross country coach and assistant coach for track and field. Josh serves on the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) cross country, indoor track and student leadership committees.
Justin Holbrook is a 4th grade math and science teacher inspired to enhance professional learning through teacher story-telling and classroom experiences. He holds a Master's Degree from Loyola University Maryland (2017) and a Bachelor's Degree from Goucher College (2010). Justin is the chair of his community's School Family Council and a member of the School Leadership Team. He is also a Maryland EGATE Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education - Teacher as a Leader, as well as a member of the EdCamp Maryland organizing committee, founder of the professional learning network #BmoreEdchat, and part of a national instructional documentary entitled Grey Matters.
Rebecca Eig's classroom learning environment promotes fun, growth, and a sense of family. Eig was inspired by her first grade teacher to pursue teaching and implements the same welcoming atmosphere in her classroom. Her students know they are important. She tells them every day. In her seventh year of teaching, all at Owings Mills Elementary, she has served as a professional development mentor, presented workshops for new teachers, and taken an active role in the community. Eig has a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Towson University (2010) and a Master's in instructional technology from Towson University (2016).
Kelly Raby is committed to educating students, colleagues, families, and the community through establishing strong connections. She holds an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, McDaniel College (2007), a B.S. in Elementary Education (1996), and an A.S. in Early Childhood Education, University of Great Falls, MT. Kelly also has a PreK-12 ESOL endorsement. She has been an educator in several states, as well as in Japan and Portugal, which has molded her beliefs in equity, celebrating diversity, and developing partnerships. She is active on the Equity, Wellness, Relay for Life, and Girls Gotta Run teams at WHES. Kelly firmly believes that success in education is about building relationships.
Jennifer Gunter is driven to help students overcome barriers that impact their learning. She has a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College (2005) and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Wesley College (1997). She has taught in various classroom settings including co-teaching in a special education inclusion classroom as well as co-teaching with an English Language Learning teacher. Ms. Gunter has served on various school improvement teams and served as a team leader, a STEM coach and a cooperating teacher for future educators.
Dr. Thomas McHugh is an English Content Area Liaison/Teacher recognized as a passionate, student-centered educator continually seeking to improve learning and school culture. He earned B.A. degrees in Education and English from the University of Maryland, a M.A. in English from the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Maryland. Dr. McHugh is an expert in curriculum design and construction, presenting at state and national levels on topics including Advanced Placement and College and Career Readiness. He is an AP Scorer and a member of the PARCC Range Finding Team. He is a National Board Certified Teacher and UMBC Outstanding Teacher of the Humanities.
Travon D. Morgan is a native of Baltimore City and its Public School System, and a Cecil County resident since 2007, when he began teaching at Perryville Middle School. He is a graduate of Frostburg State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English Literature with a minor in Art History, and a Master of Arts in Teaching (2007). He has dedicated himself to becoming a life-long educator and learner, and he strives to instill a similar desire in all of the students with whom he works. As an educational leader and advocate, Travon volunteers over 800 hours annually, helping families with life skills that are both practical and beneficial in their daily lives.
Denise Childers is a 24-year teaching veteran of Charles County Public Schools. She holds two Bachelor's Degrees from the University of Maryland in English and Secondary Education (1992), and is a National Board Certified teacher (2006). Currently the English Department Chairperson, she instructs students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Denise is a frequent professional development presenter, a curriculum writer, and a teacher mentor. In 2012, she was a semifinalist for The Washington Post's Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year award. Denise is also the director of La Plata High School's award winning a cappella group, Unplugged.
Mr. Sean Reincke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Saint Francis University, a social studies certification in Secondary education from Millersville University, and a Masters in education from Salisbury University. Mr. Reincke has spent all seventeen years in Dorchester County Public Schools teaching at Cambridge South Dorchester High School. During his tenure, Mr. Reincke helped write the U.S. Perspectives curriculum, assisted in creating a freshman academy, and mentored new teachers. Mr. Reincke also started the school's cross country program, which has won two conference titles, twenty-three regional titles, and their first ever state title in 2013.
Karima Sharper is an educator committed to collaborative learning that engages students, staff, families and the community. She has Bachelor's Degrees in both Special and Elementary Education from High Point University (2001) in North Carolina and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix (2006). Karima is enrolled in the Administrator I Certification Program at McDaniel University in Maryland. As a special education teacher, she provides inclusive and small-group instruction to elementary students with special needs. Karima is also a member of the administrative leadership team and the special education team leader.
"Sing, Say, Dance, Play!" Heather Roth has passionately guided students in active music-making for 13 years. Her child-centered approach was fostered through her certification in Orff-Schulwerk levels I (2003) and II (2004), leading to the inception of two student-driven ensembles: Crellin's Rhythm & Rubbish and Broad Ford's Orff Ensemble. Heather was named Oakland Elk's Lodge 2014 Elementary Teacher of the Year. She also serves on the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival education committee, is an officer in the Garrett Choral Society, and is on the executive board of the Garrett County Education Association. She received both her Bachelor's Degree (2002) and Master's of Music Degree (2005) at West Virginia University.
Amy Mangold has spent the majority of her career teaching preschool students with severe intellectual and physical disabilities. Amy graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland with a Master's in Teaching (2003) and The Johns Hopkins University with certification in early childhood special education (2010). She serves on the Instructional Leadership and School Improvement teams, presents county professional development, and mentors students from local universities. Outside her classroom, Amy volunteers with Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, St. Baldrick's Foundation and promotes independent living skills for adults with special needs as a Community Support Living Arrangement Worker.
Dr. Maddy Halbach believes financial literacy will reduce the achievement and socio-economic gaps for students. She was recognized as the 2016 Maryland Financial Literacy Teacher of the Year. Her students are two-time national and four-time state winners of the Personal Finance Challenge. Dr. Halbach has written and taught blended learning programs, co-written an online course for MSDE, and trained teachers nationwide on financial literacy. She is a published author and a National Board Certified Teacher. She has a Ph.D. in organizational leadership from the University of Maryland (2010), and a master's (2000) and bachelor's (1998) from Emmanuel College.
Jedina Frazier recognizes the potential in every child. Jedina has a Master's Degree in Elementary Reading and Math from Walden University (2005) and a Bachelor's Degree from Delaware State University (1988). Believing that learning is lite-long, Jedina has graduate endorsements in Special Education, Early Childhood Advocacy, Curriculum Instruction, Teacher Leadership, and Early Childhood Administration. Currently a 5th grade educator, Jedina advocates active learning by engaging students in Adopting a Soldier and Reading Partnerships. A mentor to prospective educators, Jedina has participated in the Nurturing Program, Parks and Recreation Summer Youth, and the Extended Year Program to help improve student learning.
Nancy Shay is dedicated to equity and closing the achievement gap. She has a Master's Degree in English (U.Md. 1996) and English Education (U.Va. 1989) and a Bachelor's Degree in English (Brandeis 1985). Nancy coordinates the Homework/ Supper Club, runs Rich Talk Discussion Forums on culture, prejudice, and equity for the school, leads the English department, and does professional development for the Leadership Team. Nancy was the Montgomery County Christa McAuliffe Fellow and served as the chair of the MCPS Councils on Teaching and Learning in 2002-2003. Nancy has presented papers at academic conferences and published two articles.
Carolyn Marzke, a reading, writing, and social studies teacher, views her mission as helping students to think critically. She holds a master's degree in public policy from the University of California at Berkeley and a bachelor's degree in human biology from Stanford University. Carolyn guides her students in exploring the importance of the arts, examining how literature and history relate to current events, and writing, staging and performing plays depicting major events in the American Revolution. A school management team member and collaborative planning leader, she strives to promote literacy across the curriculum. She received an Outstanding Employee Award in 2016 for her distinguished work.
Marsha Macneal teaches eighth grade math and algebra at Centreville Middle School in Queen Anne's County. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1997 and earned a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola College in 2005. In 2015, Marsha earned National Board Certification in Mathematics. She is a School Improvement Team member, annually presents at her school's parent nights, and has mentored Washington College interns. For QACPS, she has served on the Teacher Evaluation Task Force, Grading Policy Committee, and has written curriculum.
Kristen McIntyre commits herself wholeheartedly to the school community and believes every child can succeed. She holds Masters' Degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Teaching (2004) and Interdisciplinary Studies in Mathematics Leadership (2009), and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from VCU. Currently an Instructional Resource Teacher, she leads professional development, develops the School Improvement Plan, runs collaborative planning meetings, develops MSDE courses, and has been chosen a Master Teacher for Maryland. Kristen serves on the leadership team and as the Teacher in Charge. She facilitates family nights and is the liaison for St. Mary's College Masters of Teaching students.
Sarah Perdue is a distinguished leader in art integration and transdisciplinary teaching. She holds a M.A.T. in Art Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2007), B.A. degree in Psychology, and B.F.A. in Graphic Design and Painting from Salisbury University (2004). Sarah facilitates Student Art Club, PAES Wellness Committee, professional development, and, she is involved in a county-wide mindfulness initiative. She co-teaches math and is a MSDE Career Art Educator Award recipient. Sarah leads fundraising for victims of domestic violence and cancer. Her students' artwork was featured on a billboard, statewide equality calendar, and at the Walters Art Museum.
Katie Fox earned her B.A. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of Michigan (2002) and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University (2005). Katie serves as her school's STEM and Primary Talent Development representative and is a member of the School Improvement Team and Equity Team. She serves as a director on the board for the Tilghman Area Youth Association (TAYA) and the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee for Talbot County. Katie received the MSDE Teacher as Leader in Gifted and Talented Education award and strongly believes that instruction must be designed to meet the needs of all students in order to ensure student success.
To inform, inspire, and to ignite is Carolyn Holcomb's goal as she explores the realm of science with middle school students. Graduating with a Biology degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland, Carolyn worked initially as a scientist. After obtaining her masters from Frostburg State, Carolyn began to share her love of science with young minds. Carolyn is a recipient of the Honeywell NASA Space Camp scholarship, and was selected as a teacher intern and presenter for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). She has presented at both science conventions and colleges. Carolyn believes the power of developing meaningful relationships is critical to successful learning.
Christen has taught in Maryland for twenty-two years, specializing in Gifted and Talented education and Reading Intervention. She earned a Master's Degree in Reading Instruction from Goucher College (2005) and her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Towson University (1991). Christen was Mardela Middle and High Schools' Teacher of the Year (2011). She was chair for the Instructional Leadership Team and founded the school's SGA. Christen is the school-wide coordinator for parent involvement, the chairperson for the Parent Advisory Council and has presented at district and school levels. Christen has been a mentor for student interns and new teachers.
Creativity, compassion, and critical thinking are three of the values that Julia Hill instills in her students every day. Hill earned a Bachelor's in Mathematics from Carson Newman College, a Master's in Mathematics Education from Salisbury University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology from Boise State University. In her thirteenth year, she teaches mathematics at Worcester Technical High School. Mrs. Hill serves as an advisor for the Worcester Chapter of SkillsUSA, a member of her school improvement team and a math curriculum developer. Outside school, she mentors teenage mothers across her county.