Nominations are being accepted for the 2021 Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision. Given annually to recognize an outstanding MCPS administrator or supervisor, eligible nominees include principals, assistant principals, school business administrators, directors, supervisors and other administrator and supervisory positions within the MCAAP/MCBOA unit.
Nominations can come from MCPS staff, colleagues, friends, parents and community members. Self-nominations are also accepted. Detailed information and a nomination form are available on the MCAAP website. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021
If you have questions, contact MCAAP at 301-762-8174.
Award nominations are also open for several other awards honoring exceptional teachers, supporting services staff and principals. They include:
Supporting Services Employee of the Year: This award recognizes a supporting services employee who extends himself or herself beyond their basic required duties and contributes to students and the school community by enhancing student learning, creating positive relationships, and making school or the office a better place. Nominees must be active support professionals with a minimum of three years of service with MCPS. Administrators, teachers, other support professionals, students and community members can nominate. Nominate here. Deadline: 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18
The Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Master Teacher Award: This 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, 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. 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. 8, 2021
The Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Rising Star Teacher Award: This 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. 8, 2021
The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award: This 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. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021
The Washington Post Principal of the Year 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. Deadline: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021
The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award: This 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. 8, 2021
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: 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021
