The deadlines are nearing for several competitions to honor outstanding teachers and principals. They are—
Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision: This annual award is presented by the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP) and the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education (MCBRE) to recognize an outstanding MCPS administrator or supervisor. Nominees must be a Montgomery County administrator or supervisor for at least five years and current voting member of MCAAP. The nominee should exhibit exemplary leadership, human resources development, resource management and interpersonal skills; professional involvement; and community and stakeholder involvement. All MCPS staff and community organizations may make nominations. The nomination packet is available from MCAAP, 30 Gude Dr., Suite 100 in Rockville, by emailing MCAAP or by calling 301-762-8174. Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted to MCAAP by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017. Click here for a 2017 Shirley Award application. The Shirley Award winner will be announced at the Champions for Children Gala in April 2017. The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year and Supporting Services Employee of the Year will also be announced at that event. Deadline: 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017
Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Awards: The Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Master Teacher Award recognizes three full-time teachers in kindergarten through Grade 12 who have a demonstrated record of promoting student success, such as closing the achievement gap. One of the Master Teacher Award winners is chosen as the MCPS Teacher of the Year and goes on to represent the school district as a contender for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year award and could become the National Teacher of the Year. More information is available here. One award winner will be named for each level: elementary, middle and high school. Each will receive a $2,000 monetary award. More information is available here. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017
The Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Rising Star Teacher Award recognizes a first-, second-, third- or fourth-year full-time teacher in kindergarten through Grade 12 who has a demonstrated record of promoting student success. The teacher contributes to a professional learning community of students, staff, parents and community. The winner will receive a $1,000 monetary award. More information is available here. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017
The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award (formerly the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award): The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a full-time teacher in prekindergarten through Grade 12 who instills in students a desire to learn and achieve. Each nominee must have a minimum of five years teaching experience, three of which must be in MCPS. This teacher also must understand the individual needs of students, encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem. He or she will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter and possess the ability to share it effectively with students. The nominee fosters cooperative relationships with his/her colleagues and the community and demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. The winner will receive a trophy, a $7,500 monetary award and a profile in The Washington Post. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017
The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award (formerly the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award): This award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. In presenting these awards, The Washington Post Company Educational Foundation hopes to encourage excellence in school leadership and contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education in the Washington metropolitan area. Nominations may be submitted by teachers, students, former students, parents, administrators or the general public. The winner will receive a trophy, a $7,500 monetary award and a profile in The Washington Post. Deadline: Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017
The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award: The Shirley J. Lowrie “Thank You for Teaching” Award honors extraordinary elementary school teachers who have a deep dedication to the teaching profession. These elementary school teachers, prekindergarten through Grade 5, must work directly with students in the classroom on a daily basis, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter, and effectively communicate that subject matter to students. The nominee should be a teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017
The Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award: Established in 1991, this award honors MCPS principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. These qualities were exemplified by Mark Mann, a former principal of Parkland Junior High School, who died in 1988. Nominations made in previous years may be resubmitted. Deadline: Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017
Viers Mill Teacher Completes Master’s Degree Through Unique Program, Travel
Dana Frye, an ESOL teacher at Viers Mill Elementary School, recently completed a Master’s of Art in Teaching Biological Sciences from Miami University (in Ohio), under a National Science Foundation fellowship. She earned the degree through the Global Field Program, which uses a blended learning environment that includes three international summer travel programs to biodiversity hotspots around the world. After travelling to Paraguay last summer, Frye created an after-school science, language and art club to integrate science and language learning for ESOL students at her school.
Board Makes One Administrative Appointment
At its Dec. 13 business meeting, the Board of Education approved the following appointment:
- Traci L. Townsend, principal, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Middle School #2
Shout Outs
Lourdes Fourquet, prekindergarten teacher at Gaithersburg Elementary School, is retiring after 28 years of teaching. She has done an amazing job. Her events get almost 100 percent parent participation. She will be missed by all.
—Samira Hussein, social services assistant, Pre-K Programs
