Clusters for each story submitted online
Appreciating the Good in All Students
"My philosophy of teaching grows from my own love of learning and the value I place on the relationships formed within the learning community."-- Lyndsay Geddings, Folger McKinsey Elementary School
The Powerful Role of the Teacher
"I believe my primary role is looking at the end goal, assessing current understanding, and taking into account special abilities, interests, and challenges of the students." --Samantha Klenkel Wilkinson, Cape St. Claire Elementary School
Guiding Reluctant Wanderers
"I believe that all students can be and should be pushed, pushed to try their hardest, pushed to be deeper thinkers, pushed to take pride in what they produce." --Kristina Ladika, Arundel High School
Music: The Universal Language
"I believe that my music classroom, and the lessons I conduct, should provide a creative language that can be communicated by all." --Victoria Scalfaro, Lothian Elementary
Collecting Beautiful Moments
"A successful classroom community exists when a teacher takes time to build authentic relationships. In turn, students feel safe and are comfortable taking risks." --Sarah Serena, Waugh Chapel Elementary
Intricate Parts of Our Education Adventure
"My belief is that all students can learn if provided with tools that enhance the skills that we are trying to build and expand the foundation that they have already established. Utilizing a variety of methods of instruction as well as different unique tools such as Makerspace and presentation materials allows me as a teacher to reach more learners and help them grow."--Melissa Connelly
Heroes Take Risks
"I believe our children should learn to lead a life that will leave a positive legacy. Teachers have an AMAZING influence on students and should use that power wisely." --Erin Perkins, Quarterfield Elementary School
Have Only Positive Expectations
"I refer to my teaching philosophy as "Soul Food" because of having the opportunity to beautifully educate my students in mind, body and soul."--Carla Matthews, Center of Applied Technology South
It’s Not About the Standards–Its About the People
"I believe that all students need to feel cared for before learning can take place. Understanding where students are emotionally and intellectually allows me to meet them on a level playing field."--Tully Fenner, Northeast High School
Establishing Trusting Relationships
"My philosophy of teaching is very simple. EVERY student is capable of learning."--Danyelle Edwards, Seven Oaks Elementary School
Presence Sets the Tone
"My philosophy of teaching is simple: make connections and strive to be your best self. As teachers, we shoulder great responsibility regarding the impact we have on our students' lives."--Laura Currey, Central Elementary
Creating Lifelong Learners and Community Members
"I believe that providing my students with an engaging, rigorous, and hands-on lesson, inspires their learning. These lessons allow them to retain the concepts taught and make real-world connections."--April Crovo, Mayo Elementary
Praise From All Corners of the Community
"My teaching philosophy is simple. Make it fun, make it collaborative and make it as hands-on as possible all the while being kind to one another."--Angela Carbone, Severna Park Middle
Katie Wilhelm Smith, South River High School, Class of 1998
Fox45, National Geographic, and now TLC—Katie has spent her career sharing stories through video and television. That passion was ignited at South River High School, where she learned the writing skills to tell a story and was given the freedom to be herself on and off camera.
Bobcat Book Club
By having teachers, parents and students work together to create this new and exciting extracurricular reading program, everyone shares ownership, which has contributed to the success of the Bobcat Book club.