We are excited to spotlight Mary Kay Connerton. Mary Kay Connerton is a 2023 Teacher of the Year finalist.

Ms. Connerton was nominated by the school’s principal, Patrick Gelinas.

The Annapolis High School physical education teacher is a SUNY Cortland alum who brings a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and spirit to her students and peers. 

We had an opportunity to talk with Mary Kay about her year as a Teacher of the Year finalist. The full video conversation will be posted in this space after the 2023 Excellence in Education awards dinner.

Here are a few highlights of the conversation:

Describe who you are in 5 words or less.

Everything done with passionate purpose. 

Tell me one thing you remember about your first year teaching.

I started 12 years ago and it has gone by in the blink of an eye. I remember sharing Yoga in my 8th grade co taught class. We talked and felt we needed change. We decided that we would change how we start class using visualizations as a brain boost, meditation or other things. The results and the end of the quarter were immense. It was so impactful that many students cried at the end of the year because of the growth they saw in themselves.

Looking back, what would you tell your former self about your potential as an educator?

I started as a special educator and followed my dreams, which turned into new classes, seminars and a new program for the district. I’d say it exceeded my wildest dreams. Dream big.

What one thing do you love about working in your school? with the students? and with the community?

I’ve had a chance to work in the feeder middle school and now the high school. I’ve gotten to work with so many families and so many programs. I feel the community is connected, especially through the wellness program and its connections. 

What is your favorite memory of your family and friends supporting you on your journey as an educator?

I had to come up with a name for the wellness program that I submitted and was accepted by the district. I went to my family for help and their feedback and response was so great. It was very meaningful.

COVID really challenged teachers, students, families, and schools on a level beyond imagination. How has the experience of working through COVID and then returning to “normal” instruction made you a better teacher and person?

The struggles I faced personally led me to pause and think about what my students were going through. My husband and I added 2 children to our family during COVID, because we really wanted to help. It helped me reorganize the teen mom program we have and plan it with more insight. We found so many new community partners as we moved forward in our process and it has been such an amazing experience.

Thinking about the future of education, what are you most excited about for educators? for students? and for schools?

Putting mental and physical wellbeing in the forefront of education. Being healthy in mind and body provides the foundation needed for academic success. Healthy students create thriving students and thriving students create thriving communities.

What is one hidden talent you have that no one, or few people, knows about and would surprise them?

I know how to surf. While I’m a novice, growing up on Long Island, NY and being a lifeguard, I have always had a loving connection with the water.

If you had to make a time capsule about this year as a teacher of the year finalist and you had to include an item, an image, a quote and a song/melody, what would you include?

The quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson “To know one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.” I remember seeing it on a dance program when I was a teenager and it really has motivated me. Next would be a letter of support from a former student. To see how she remembered me was very moving. The image is from a postcard that was sent from a parent who congratulated me for being nominated for Teacher of the Year. It was unexpected and beautiful. The song is one written by a former student that was for the wellness fair I host called Renew You.

For the last question, what is one reason why someone should choose to become a teacher?

If you seek work of the heart, then be a teacher. It fuels your soul as you pour love out. It’s immeasurable the impact you have and the impact it has on you.

Louis Nesbitt, PDM Department

LNesbitt@aacps.org

The journey of an educator is a lifetime. We are thankful to those who have chosen to embark on this path. As a community, one of our greatest capacities is availability, so when the opportunities arise, find your own way to support education