Read stories from and about our #AACPSAwesome employees.
Share your AACPS Story
Empowering Educators: Highlights from the AACPS Annual College and University Fair
The event encouraged all AACPS employees to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to explore educational advancements. Whether looking to continue their studies or begin a new academic journey, the College and University Partnership Fair provided the perfect starting point!
2024 Teacher of the Year Reflects on What Helped Them Become the Best Version of Themselves
“Every child deserves a champion- an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”
2023 Rising Star at Marley Elementary – Jamar Turner
If you can't start with you, then pass it on to the next person and let them make the change.
2023 Rising Star at Central Special – Cherith White
Just take it one minute and one second at a time.
2023 Rising Star at Broadneck High – Tyrice Brown
It has to be personal. It has to be something that you personally resonate with, because there's no generic answer. So if you have it in you and you feel the slightest bud that this is what you wanna do, water it, give it some some sun and go with it.
2023 Rising Star at Tracey’s Elementary – Dalen Parker
My third grade teacher, shout out to Ms. Mandy Brew. She has stuck with me since I was in 3rd grade. She went to my high school graduation. She saw me go through college, and she’s always been that teacher.
2023 Rising Star at Edgewater Elementary – Brandon Woodroffe
Unless people like you care and awful lot of things won't change.
2023 Rising Star at Glendale Elementary- Sabrina Hooper
"If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room."
2023 Rising Star at Brooklyn Park Elementary – Rebecca Meyer
They’re going to remember you. You are dinner table conversation at night. Their families will know you.
2023 Rising Star at Point Pleasant Elementary – Lorna Harris
"Tell me and I'll forget. Teach me and I'll remember. Involve me and I'll learn."
2023 Rising Star at Bates Middle – Stephaen Hood
The kids talk to each other and say "wait, Mr. Hood sings too?"
2023 Rising Star at Seven Oaks Elementary – Kayla Lugo
"Your feelings are valid, but so are my rules."
2022 Teacher of the Year Reflects on the Year and Looks Forward to the Future
If you want happiness for a lifetime. Help someone in the next generation.
Empowering Self-Worth and Peer Mentoring: Meet the Tyler Heights Elementary School Second Grade Teacher Who is a Finalist for Teacher of the Year
The heart of teaching is our kids. The future of the world is in this classroom. What we do now is building moral human beings.
From Lab Coat to Superteacher: Meet the Magothy River Middle School Science Teacher Named Finalist for Teacher of the Year
The first thing would be to tell myself, You’ve Got This! Have fun and if you aren’t enjoying your lessons, neither are the students. Be creative and make changes. The kids like to know you are human, so if you make a mistake, it’s ok
Teaching Mindfulness and Wellness: Meet the Teacher of the Year Finalist from South Shore Elementary School
You have an opportunity to be a changemaker. Everyday is an adventure. You can create a positive experience for students. You, yes you, can make a change in the world.
Wellness is the Key: Annapolis High’s Teacher of the Year Finalist Shares Her Motivation
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.
Empowering Students to Lead: Lindale Middle School’s Teacher of the Year Finalist shares her secrets
You can be the best advocate for kids who don’t have a voice and have dreams to be more. It’s a noble profession and students need your DNA to access and unlock what they are going to be.
Innovation in the Classroom: Meet the Arundel High School Teacher who’s a Teacher of the Year Finalist!
In my time capsule I would include a microphone because there are so many stories that can be told just from this year.
Principal of the Year 22-23, Richard Rogers of Mills-Parole Elementary School Advocates for “Constant Reflection as the Key to Become Better Educator and Leader”
Stay at it! It is worth it and fulfilling. Kids need dedicated teachers from all backgrounds.
Determined to See Every Child’s Potential
"My goal for every student is that they become independent, confident, high-achieving students that see and reach their individual potential. I challenge myself daily to discover what is needed for each of my students to be successful and implement strategies to help them discover their abilities."--Doreen Fischetti, Crofton High School
Building a Lasting Community Within the Classroom
As a teacher, it is my job to ensure that all of my students come to school each day feeling safe and excited to learn. I strive to build a community within my classroom, as well as through the entire school.
Providing Unconditional Love in the Classroom
My teaching philosophy begins and ends with unconditional love.
The Value of a Teacher
I believe that every child has a story and it is my commitment to know and value every story.
Passion for Motivating Students
Nisa's passion for motivating students started in the 4th grade.
Encouraging Students to Explore
Stacy Kearns
I am an AACPS: Teacher, Severn River Middle School | 2020 Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist
Adolescence is a challenging time for many students. Adolescence can also be a time […]
Celebrating Differences, Adapting to Change, and Finding Success
Welcome to Camp Kramer! We are a family that starts each day with hugs, high fives, and a bonfire (community circle).
Advocating for Students
One of the most fundamental roles of an educator is that of an advocate.
Teaching Student’s that Kindness Matters
I believe all students can learn within an environment where kindness matters and they feel safe to take risks.
Raising Teacher Expectations and Empathy
I believe that every student should be challenged through the use of differentiated instruction, high teacher expectations and empathy.
Building Supportive Relationships with Students
I believe building relationships with my students is the most crucial part of the job.
Providing Students the Unlimited Ability to Succeed
My philosophy of education is that all children have the unlimited ability to succeed.
“Thank You Mrs. Haab!”
"My teacher is amazing! She helps me out when I need it."--Orion, Student, West Meade EEC
Park Elementary Rocks!
"I want to thank you for all of your hard work this year, especially during this COVID-19 crisis. It has been difficult but you have done a wonderful job for our children."--Lilly Davidson, Park Elementary
“The Most Amazing Teachers at Hebron-Harman”
"Miss Brown and Miss Albano are some of the most amazing teachers in Hebron Harman."--Merlin, Hebron-Harman Elementary School
A Committed AP Teacher, Even in a Shutdown
"[My son] could not have [prepared for his AP Calculus exam] without Ms. Nakanishi's dedication and guidance."--Maria Dyson, Arundel High School
A Passionate Leader of Severna Park’s Music Program
"Mr. Kilby is a champion and advocate of his students who always looks for the best in each of them and pushes them to work hard and grow as leaders in the school."--The Astle Family, Severna Park High School
The AmyStrong Foundation partner with Old Mill Middle South
We are going to grow our partnership with the AmyStrong Foundation by assembling “sunshine boxes” and look forward to collaborating in other ways in the future to support this great cause!
A Great Custodian at Southgate
"We have a great chief at Southgate Elementary School. His name is Carl Owens."--Sarah, Southgate Elementary
A Whole New World of Books
"Dear Ms. Radisi...I loved having you as a media teacher and I'm really sad that I can't do your lessons in person with you."--Rylee, Student, Crofton Meadows Elementary
Welcoming the Diversity of Our Family
"[Mrs. Joop] accepted our differences and made me and my family feel the Unity that you speak about in schools."--Bana Mahmoud, Parent, Crofton Meadows Elementary
Looking Back on My Career with Gratitude
"I started at Ruth Parker Eason 22 years ago... I have loved my time at this school, but I hadn’t always known that I wanted to be a teacher."--Patty Tita, ECI Teacher, Ruth Parker Eason
Inspiring My Passion for Science & Teaching
"Mr. Imwold, I just wanted to thank you for all you have done for me when I was still in high school sitting in your AP environmental science class all the way up to now when I am a soon be senior in college at UMBC studying to be a high school biology teacher myself!"--Mackenzie Jones, Alumni, Northeast High School
A “Secret Super Hero” of a Math Teacher
"Mrs. Arnett, I'm pretty sure is a secret super hero. I mention math at home and it's like I'm trying to feed my teen liver, she on the other hand has taught math and is doing some pretty great elearning lessons to make sure he keeps learning."--Katherine Moore, Parent, Corfton Middle
First Your Student, Now Your Colleague–Thank You!
"When I think of you, Ms. Flohr, I think of the most hardworking and dedicated educator I have ever met."--Laura Frank, Former Student & Colleague, Riviera Beach Elementary School
Thank you, Ms. Abraham!
"Ms. Abraham connects with her students in so many ways and takes the time to really get to know them."--Jen Vedrani, Parent, Jacobsville Elementary
AACPS Spotlight: Dr. Somerville, Annapolis Middle Counselor
Annapolis High and Middle, just know Dr. Somerville is rooting for you
Annapolis Middle Celebrates Black History Month with the community
"It was great to see and feel the community valued having this event"--Breanna Walker, Teacher
Growing My Daughter’s Love of Reading
"Your English class was filled with laughs, great books, higher order thinking and high expectations for writing."--The Tello Family
We Appreciate You, Mr. Boorman!
"Thank you to Arthur Boorman, Special Education teacher at Severna Park High School, for the extra effort during this challenging transition to online learning."--Teresita Saff, Parent
The Best Mom, Grandmother, Teacher in AACPS
"Veronique Cole is very smart and has inspired me to become a teacher."--Maya Gibson
Keeping Our Kids Going through Two Transitions
"[Ms. Kwaloff's] ability to adapt, change, and connect to each of these kids in her class is something that you’d pray for."--Sarah Smith, Parent
A Ray of Sunshine at Southgate
"Sarah Moulden, Custodian at Southgate Elementary, is a ray of sunshine with a smile for everyone!"--Molly Arneson, Parent
Rain or Shine, They’re Serving Up Meals & Smiles
"A huge THANK YOU to the amazing [food service] ladies at Old Mill...Ms. Tammy Carper, Ms. Lacresha Gross, Ms. Melissa Cowen, and Ms. Mariluz Lara."--Jadon, Student, OMHS
So Proud of My Glendale & AACPS Family!
"The work that not only our amazing team at Glendale is doing but across Anne Arundel county is so powerful!"--Kristina Johns
Thank You Cafeteria Heroes!
"I’d like to share how thankful the staff and students of Glen Burnie Park Elementary are for the wonderful work of our cafeteria heroes Helen Gorman, Brittany Mason and Crew are."--Karen Kivi, Employee
Welcoming to Everyone in Her Classroom
"[Mollie Dwyer] has had many children with severe disabilities and developmental delays that needed extra attention and time. She welcomed everyone into her classroom and treated them all the same."--Anna Calton
The Teacher & Friend You Wish You Had
"Mollie Dwyer is amazing!!! She is that special teacher and friend you wish you had."--Darren Dooley
Mollie Dwyer: “A Natural with Kids”
"It's not only [Mollie Dwyer's] great heart that makes her a great teacher, but her drive to really help kids in any situation, not just in the classroom. Her patience, encouragement, love and support for all her students is truly amazing."--Jacqueline Kelley
One Caring & Compassionate School Counselor
"Lori Stuart is the most caring and compassionate school counselor I've met." -Salome Stephens
A Fantastic School Counselor
"She works tirelessly to promote social emotional learning at Four Seasons." -Juli Gross
Returning to My Career with the Support of My Colleagues
Hundreds of employees of AACPS report to work daily to make a difference in their students' lives. Some of those employees don't just stop there. See how a simple conversation turned the tides of one of our very own.
Ms. Burdette Keeps Me Successful
"I can say Ms. Burdette is a great teacher role model in my life and I look up to her and all the hard work she puts into her job and how much work she puts into her students."--Aaron, Grade 12, GBHS
A Familiar Face at Arundel High School
"Ms. Amanda Hernandez (now Coursey) was Noah’s Kindergarten teacher and Tommy’s first grade teacher. ... Now they get to see her every day at Arundel High School!"--The Bell Family
Briana Gresko: Inspiring My Daughters’ Musical Journeys
"She inspired them to audition for All-County, All-State, Solo and Ensemble, and even All-Eastern...She was always kind and caring to both girls, and they both saw her as their mentor and coach."--Melinda Keenan, Parent of Former AACPS Students
Lauren Walker: Guiding Daughters’ Love of Music
"Both my daughters are in college now for music, and our family was blessed with strong music teachers in their lives who inspired and guided them."--Melinda Keenan, Parent
Picking Up Where I Left Off: My Journey with AACPS
"My journey with AACPS had picked up where I left off, switching roles from student to teacher. I'm happily continuing my journey, and hope I end up having a strong impact on my students, just as my teachers had on me."--Tiffany Pfeiffer, AACPS Teacher & Alum
Finding a Profession to Match My Passion
"Walking into the doors of Old Mill Middle South in the summer of 2017 I didn't know what to expect. All I knew was I finally had found a career that fits my purpose in life of making a difference."--Derrick Wallace, Behavior Advocate
A Fun Place to Work–Every Part of the Day!
"I'm thankful for amazing staff members who make car rider line a fun place during morning drop off!"--Casey Lee, Tracey's Elementary
Thank you, SPHS!
"I’m thankful for the supportive fellow teachers and my students I work with daily!"--Beverly McFarland
Celebrating Our Student Artists of the Month
"Each month one student in every class at Pasadena Elementary is selected to be the 'Artist of the Month' and their artwork is displayed on a special bulletin board in the main hallway."--Karen O'Boyle, Pasadena Elementary
Many Thanks to a Great Administrator
"I'm grateful for one of the best administrators this county has to offer: Principal Koennel at Richard Henry Lee."--Erika Scarce, Richard Henry Lee
Thankful for Our School
"We are so thankful that our daughter loves school!"--Jessica, Riviera Beach Elementary
Beyond Thankful for Our Shady Side Family
"They make everyday great for the students and really care about them! It’s like one big family at our school."--Julia Howes, Parent
Fulfilling My Dream as a Food Nutrition Worker
"I am originally from Copenhagen, Denmark where as a High School Senior, my project was to start our own school cafeteria. Schools in Denmark don't have cafeterias, and my project was a very successful one. Now I am here, at South Shore Elementary, fulfilling my dream!"--Lisbeth Sorensen, South Shore Elementary
Nancy’s Triumph
"I began to meet [Nancy] at lunch time and walk her to her next class so she would not be tempted or pressured to leave. Eventually she confided in me that she was pregnant and did not see how she was going to graduate from high school."--Daryl Penn, PPW
Supporting Evan to “become the man he was meant to be”
When Evan was diagnosed with autism as a toddler in 1995, his mother, Andrea, recalls his doctor’s grim words: “Go home and mourn the loss of a normal child.” Fortunately, Andrea then met the director of her local Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) early intervention program, who offered another memorable piece of advice: “You’ll have to invent Evan’s future.”--Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
A New Start on Life
"I know that this wonderful, giving woman and her husband have given this child a solid foundation filled with love and opportunity. I am so excited to see what great things lie ahead for this student thanks to support of these people."--Allison Mathews, PPW
Seeing the Silver Lining in the Love for our Children
"Where’s the inspiration or silver lining in these situations you may ask? It’s simply the power and influence that one individual may change the outcome of someone’s life for the better."--Jennifer Laque, PPW
A Conversation with Marie
"Marie and I wondered what young children and infants internalize while living with drug addicted parents. What do they see? What do they hear? And how does it affect them later in life?"--Julianne Lockwood
Following My Purpose in AACPS
"My journey with AACPS began as the parent of a Special Education student at Central Special."--Karen McDonough, Bilingual Facilitator
Embracing Unity Together
"We had our first ever school wide Unity Day Pep Rally. There were be over 1500 people on the fields in front of our school. Our school community gathered together to celebrate and embrace Unity."--Elizabeth Westley, Severna Park Middle School
Celebrating Unity–Wherever We Go
"My students and chaperones celebrated Unity Day on a fall pumpkin patch field trip!"--Rebecca Steiner, Glen Burnie Park Elementary School
Saying N-O to Bullying!
"Our GBHS English Department says N-O to bullying!"--Caitlin Peterson, Glen Burnie High School
Wearing Our SPHS Unity Pride
"Our principal, Mr. Bathras, purchased orange Unity tees for the entire faculty. They were printed by teacher Mr. Slack and students!"--Marianne Fitzgerald, SPHS
“This is my second home.”
"The Fort Smallwood Elementary School staff and community are the best around."--Pam Osborn, Fort Smallwood Elementary
Learning & giving with an incredible team
"Even though I have gotten new positions over the years, learning, teaching, and giving every single day has been remarkably rewarding and fulfilling."--Gaston Gamez, Office of School & Family Partnerships
Our Students’ Masterpiece to Share a Positive Message
"Last year, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students helped create a mural to share the positive message of our school's motto: Together We Can Make a Difference."--Emily Pfeifer, Teacher
Keeping the Focus on the Mental Health of Our Students
"I have the opportunity to help kids who are struggling academically, socially, and emotionally. That is my privilege as a teacher."--Teresa Beilstein, 2019 AACPS Teacher of the Year
Thank You for Making Our School Beautiful!
"Thank you to SJR Lawn Care, The Reynolds family, and Mrs. Kathy Jovan for making our front entrance, courtyard and outdoor classroom beautiful."--Carrie Deaver, Teacher, Pasadena Elementary School
“Thanks Mrs. Windsor for looking out for my dude.”
"Mrs. Windsor is a big part of the reason that the first day of school went so well for Will."--LaVonne Doucette, Relative, Glendale Elementary School & Marley Middle School
Want to improve your office? Host a student intern!
"High school kids are funny and bright and creative and savvy and as interns, we get to know them and their stories. Having them in our office reminds us why our work matters–and what we do is better because of it."--Lauren Grey-Hawkins, AACPS Employee & Internship Supervisor
Finding a Home in AACPS
"There was never anywhere else I wanted to teach! Anne Arundel County Public Schools were my home when I was younger and are still my home away from home as a teacher!"--Cameron Kenny, AACPS Teacher & Alum
Embracing the Real World
"My teaching philosophy views every learner as both a psychological and social construct; because neglecting or subordinating one to the other can result to behaviors that can be detrimental to the teaching and learning environment." --Martin Noga, Annapolis High School
Redefining the Culinary Classroom
"We reflect and we reflect and we reflect and then we reflect again. Then we modify, modify, modify."--Pam Klink, CAT-South Culinary Teacher
Real World Experience in a Contained Environment
"In the Café, we can allow students to work through mistakes in a way they wouldn’t get in a regular professional environment. As a result, these students are really taking ownership of the product and of the business." --Jody Elliott, Manager, Cafe @ Maryland Hall
Being an Educator is an Honor
"I believe that it is equally important to help my students realize that they can be world changers; to teach the whole child." --Bonita Bradway, Tyler Heights Elementary
Realizing What You Are Capable of
"I believe that ALL students will be successful in my classroom. I want my students to know that my classroom is their community - a place where students feel safe to take academic risks, to accept that mistakes are an important part of learning and life, and to realize that they are capable of great successes." --Michelle Soumah, Arundel Middle School
The Art of Discovery
"I believe everyone is always an artist and I teach to provide every child the opportunity to explore a multitude of media in order to discover what type of artist they want to be."--Amy Degenhard, Jones Elementary School
Repeat, Re-visit, Reteach and Make it Relevant!
"I believe that my classroom is inviting, safe, and nurturing. Children feel secure and valued. Effective instruction that is joyful and stimulating occurs on a daily basis."--Eileen Foley, Corkran Middle School
