AACPS students, families, and colleagues share stories recognizing the work and dedication of our incredible AACPS teachers.
AACPS STEM Awards 2024 Celebrates Excellence in Students and Teachers
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it" - Alan Kay, Winner of the A.M. Turing Award
Annapolis Art Exhibit Highlights the Work of AACPS Art Students and Teachers
Thank you Ms. Zavistky from Severn Elementary for motivating and inspiring our daughter and her art was part of the exhibit.
Old Mill Middle School South Celebrates Mr. Hall
Mike is one of those teachers you come across once in a great while. He is just great with everyone and always has a smile and a story to tell.
Central Elementary School… The Spirit of Caring
This act of kindness is just one example of how caring and dedicated these teachers are. I am truly grateful for everything they do.
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."
Severn Elementary Teachers Motivate Students to Tell Their Stories
Ms. Harris inspired Ariatna to publish her first children's book "The Mean Foal, a story about the power of empathy" and Ms. Daugherty has been motivating Ariatna to continue her creative writing
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Valuing the Teacher-Parent Partnership
"I am thankful for teachers like Ms. Benny (6th grade advanced math) who take the time each week to send an email to parents to let us know what our kids are working on that week."--Cara Greene, Crofton Middle
Thankful for Our School
"We are so thankful that our daughter loves school!"--Jessica, Riviera Beach Elementary
A Fun Back-to-School Night!
"My favorite part of this school year has been our Back to School Night!!"--Atalante Shay, Parent, Jessup Elementary
Overcoming My Fear of Math with Mr. Fornaro’s Encouragement
"Mr. Fornaro at Glen Burnie High School was one of the educators who taught me to believe in myself, to never turn away from a challenge."--Bri Barone, Glen Burnie High School Alum
You Can Always Count on Mrs. Addison
"Mrs. Addison always motivates and pushes her students to the fullest and to their highest potential."--Jeremiah Thomas, Alum
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
A Colorful, Positive Environment for Kids to Feel Supported
"The importance of accepting all students and treating each other with kindness is displayed by Mrs. Ward and is therefore displayed by her students. I am thankful that our daughter has Mrs. Ward as a teacher this school year."
Nothing But Great Things from Mrs. Bohanana
"When my son tells me he had a great day at school I know it's because he has an awesome teacher supporting him throughout his day."
Guiding My Love of Teaching
"Thanks for being a supportive and safe environment to recognize my love of teaching!"
Reviving Southern’s Agriculture Science Program
"Dr. Eckels, you are not just teaching a class you are educating our future in life skills. Thank you for all that you do for your students and what your are bringing to Southern High School."
A Gifted Educator that Makes Learning Fun
"Thank you Ms. Crawford for loving your students the way you do and always being their biggest supporter and fan. The impact that you have had on our son will carry with him for the rest of his life and we will be forever grateful."
Instilling A Love of Art in My Children
"Ms. Ludlow has instilled a love of art in both of my children. She teaches them techniques, introduces them to great artists, and is really giving them a comprehensive cultural experience."
The Perfect Teacher for My Child
"Ms. Lisa Donnelly has changed my son's life in a way I never thought possible. "
Lucky to Have Ms. Maury
"She consistently goes above & beyond for her students, providing such a positive first-school-experience for our little ones, and we couldn’t be more lucky to have her!!"
Thank You Mr. Webster!
"The students love how he teaches hands on and how he has opportunities for the students to be involved."
Thank You for Being So Impactful in My Life
"A huge thank you to Mr. Keener for always providing not just educational support for his students, but emotional support as well."
Finding A Family At Folger McKinsey
"The Kindergarten team at Folger McKinsey Elementary have not only welcomed me into the world of Kindergarten with open arms, but they have become family."
Everything A Teacher Should Be
"Ms. Rohrbaugh is everything that a teacher should be: kind, inspiring, smart, patient, and fun."
Sharing Our Appreciation for Mrs. Winarski
"Mrs. Winarski has made his first year of elementary school a wonderful experience for him and has fostered such a joy of learning."
The Power of Positivity
"Mrs. Power has influenced her in such a wonderful way and made her so excited about learning, we cannot thank her enough."
Amazing Support from the Special Education Team
"Moving to Anne Arundel County has been a blessing for our family."
Going Above and Beyond for Her Kindergarten Class
"I really appreciate the positiveness and impressions she has made in my child and many others I'm sure!"
Creating a calming area for little brains to grow
"Teachers are worth their weight in gold and my son Grayson has been blessed to have Mrs. Fischetti as his first grade teacher."
Thank You For Making a Difference to My Son’s Day!
"Most importantly, she has made my son so happy while he is at school."
One of the most influential teachers I have ever had
"Your classroom was always a joy to be in. It was a place where I could be proud of my accomplishments, and more importantly, proud of myself."
An Important Part of My Son’s Village
"That confidence Mrs. Erdely has given my son, the constant communication she has with me on how he is doing-- she is a true educator."--Katherine Moore
From Severna Park Signature to Shark Tank
I’m a student from SPHS who went through the Business Innovation and Leadership program and ended up on Shark Tank with my college startup!
“The positivitiy is palpable”
"You know that all the teachers care about the students and all the students want to be here because of that care, because of that love."--Hannah MacDonald
Feeling Valued at Hilltop
"I really feel valued here by my administration, teachers, and students. It’s a place I like to come to everyday. It’s also a place I feel like we can voice our ideas freely."--Darren Towers
An Awesome Kindergarten Teacher
"Thank you Mr. Walter at Folger McKinsey for being an awesome teacher for kindergarten! Sophia enjoyed everyday of your instruction and teaching!" -- Hazar Biddle, parent
Welcomed to AACPS
"Since I was first offered the position at Meade Heights Elementary School I have felt welcomed and appreciated within the whole AACPS family."--Deanna Webber
Is Ms. Quinn a wizard or a teacher?
"Thanks Mrs. Quinn! You are doing formative things for these kids that will follow them throughout their whole lives."--Angelica Shiels, Parent, Belvedere Elementary
A True Partner in My Child’s Education
"Ms. Lum is one of the kindest, patient, but disciplined teachers my children have ever had."--Elizabeth Carll, Parent
The pleasure of working with Mrs. Brimhall
"We often recognize those in the classroom and those educators associated with the academic success of our students, but today I wanted to highlight an educator that is exposing our students to the arts in a positive, professional, and most of all meaningful way."--Nikki Johnson
Keeping parents engaged!
Mrs. Shorter is my son's teacher for Kindergarten, and she has been a blessing to us. I just wanted to share that Mrs. Shorter has been such a great communicator with the parents.
One Enthusiastic, Positive and Genuine Teacher
"My grandson had Ms. Brady for Kindergarten last year and my granddaughter has her this year. They both love her as she makes them feel special no matter what they are doing."--Linda Batts, Grandparent
Skill + Compassion = An Amazing Teacher
I always love visiting Ryan's class during American Education Week and I always hope to see just a "normal" class (meaning, not anything special because the parents will be there....just a typical lesson.) And I was thrilled I got to see just that today in your classroom. But, let me clarify: What I saw was anything but "normal." It was exceptional.
The Definition of Dedication
Mr. Stanzione epitomizes what it means to be a dedicated AACPS employee. He gives so generously of his time.
Thank You Mrs. Pillow!
"On August 7, 2008 I heard the worst words a parent can hear, 'Your son has cancer.' I didn't know which end was up. I reached out to [his teacher] Mrs. Pillow to let her know of Tag's situation. I barely remember our conversation, I cried for most of it, but I do remember her saying, 'Jen, Tag will go to college. I guarantee it.' Those words were so comforting to me."--Jennifer G., Parent
Thankful for Mrs. Nodtvedt’s Positive Communication & Support
"The one thing that I truly appreciate is that she not only told me when there were problems but let me know if he had had a great day and if he had done something good for another student. In the past I was only contacted if there was a problem. Through Mrs. Nodtvedt's kind and compassionate ways my grandson has come a long way since the beginning of the year."--Beth Lassiter, Grandparent
Thank You for Inspiring My Son’s Love of Reading!
"I just wanted to thank Ms. Hoffman for helping my son's love reading!"--Nancy Cahlink-Seidler, Parent
Retired Educator Continues to Spread Joy
Laura Blankenship
I am an AACPS: Parent | Volunteer, Rippling Woods Elementary School Rippling Woods has went through so many changes in the past 7 years. I want to thank all the staff there for the […]
Bringing Joy and Happiness Through Music
"Music brings out the joy and happiness in the heart. Mrs. Kennelly at Waugh Chapel Elementary teaches music to her students with such dedication and patience."--Deanna Mallon, Parent
A Teacher that Made a Huge Impact on my Life
Mrs. Tami Beyer is most definitely one of the reasons I am where I am today. Through tough decisions to take advanced classes, to struggling through a rough week, all the way to college decisions, Mrs. Beyer supported me every step of the way.
Paying a Passion for Teaching Forward
"It is because of Mr. Glorioso that I was hired for [the cosmetology teacher at the Center of Applied Technology North]. When I expressed my gratitude to him he simply said, 'Now you go and give to someone else.'"--Tammy Diedrich
How one amazing teacher has forever impacted my son
"Perhaps what has impressed me the most about Ms. Mueller is how well she knows each of her students' unique abilities, family situations, skills, interests, and strengths. It is clear she has taken the time to know every student in front of her as an individual and as a result, each of the students in her class feels valued and important."--Kristen Caminiti
From student teacher to colleague, I’ve had a mentor in Ms. Zak
"With unwavering persistence, patience, and love, Mrs. Zak not only pushes her children to levels they never thought they could, but she motivates everyone around her to examine the quality of their own teaching and will work with anyone to help them support their students."--Kathleen Tran
Shout-Out to Two Great Language Arts Assets at SRMS
"Joanne Sprague is a great department chair [and] Mandi Quinn is our amazing resource teacher."--Holly McDermott
Heather Lowe: Going above and beyond to help her students
"Heather Lowe takes time to contact the parents and let them know what their child is doing, be it good or bad."--Laura Blankenship
Our Continued Appreciation for Ms. Tanya
"Ms. Tanya energizes the students and gets them excited to learn. She gets to know her students and lets them know her not only as a teacher but as a person."--Valerie Frazier, Parent
How A Teacher Continues to Encourage, Years After My Son Left Her Classroom
"When my son started kindergarten I was worried... I didn't know anything about the teachers at Davidsonville Elementary school and didn't realize how getting the letter saying Mrs. Jones would be his teacher would change his life."--Melissa Wirzburger, Parent
Elementary Music Teacher Turns Mother-in-Law
"Thank you Suzy Wyatt for being MY amazing K-5 Music teacher at Davidsonville Elementary (still going 41 years strong!). "--Meredith Krissoff, Alum & Employee
Fostering a Love of Music & Dance
"At George Fox Middle School I had the privilege of having a wonderful chorus teacher, Karen Simmons. She was a talented individual who cared about her students."--Susan Coakley, Alum & Parent
The Dedication at Rippling Woods
"Rippling Woods Elementary School has so many dedicated teachers who go unappreciated everyday."--Lauren Blackenship, Parent
The BEST Art Teacher who taught me so much more: Mrs. Sheckells
"As I entered Shady Side Elementary in my new role as a teacher in August of 1996, a familiar voice spoke to me. It was Mrs. Sarah Sheckells, my former art teacher... Over the last 21 years, Mrs. Sheckells transitioned from my classroom teacher to a peer, mentor, colleague, and friend." --Jennifer Sturgell
My story is about how kind Mrs. Reisinger is
"Mrs. Reisinger is kind because an example is at our feild trip i was not happy with my group so i got too sit with her and hang out. I love Mrs. Reisinger because of what she does!"--Sydney, Grade 2
Expressing My Appreciation for Ms. Mueller, an Excellent Teacher at Nantucket
"Ms. Mueller clearly cares about each of her students, and she goes out of her way to let them know it."--Erin Rick, Parent
Watching My Daughter Grow in Mrs. Miller’s Classroom
"Miller has the patience, heart, and firmness that my daughter needs to be not only successful in 5th Grade, but to be prepared for middle school."--Kristin Schrecker, Parent
Forever Grateful for the Support of Ms. Dalgleish
"All of the teachers at Freetown Elementary are very kind and treat all the students with respect. Ms. Amanda Dalgleish especially helped us through a hard [transition] and I will be forever grateful."--Chrystyna Sullivan, Parent
How My Music Teacher Has Helped Me
"In fourth grade, I decided to start playing the saxophone. My teacher was Mrs. Emily James, and she was a fantastic teacher."--Nicholas, Grade 8
An Overdue Thank You to the Teachers at Hillsmere Elementary
"How long has it been, since I left Hillsmere Elementary School? I am not really too sure of the names of my classmates, but I know three teachers who, played a fantastic roll in my development and interest in self-improvement that has followed me to this day."--Tracy Lee
Learning to Love Politics in Mr. Sullivan’s Classroom
"Maryland's best-kept secret is that the best teachers in the world are at North County High School. One teacher for me stands out in particular. Mr. Dennis Sullivan, or "Sully," taught my AP U.S. Government, STEM Policy, and AP Human Geography courses and was also my (one-time) lacrosse coach. Sullivan has many strengths as a teacher, but by far his best attribute is his ability to get students excited about politics."--Christopher Frye, NCHS 2012 Graduate
My Favorite Teacher: Ms. Tanya
"Ms. Tanya, thank you for being the person you are. You have opened up your heart and soul to do what you need to do and love to do and I just want to return the love."—Maxwell, Grade 5
Thank You Mr. Tayman!
"Mr. Tayman, through your talent, guidance, and dedication, so many students have developed outstanding skills and furthered their love of music."—Jennifer Ballard
A Teacher’s Dedication
"Mrs. Janie Lohrmann makes learning exciting and fun for her 5th grade class." --Marva Taylor
“Lanay Byers impact on the lives of these students was not measured in grades, but by the compassion and encouragement she offered to these children.”
"Lanay Byers, Retired Teacher Her impact on the lives of these students was not measured in grades, but by the compassion and encouragement she offered to these children...Although my son grew up and moved through middle school and high school within AACPS, he never forgot Mrs. Byers and would always stop at Richard Henry Lee during the Christmas holiday with a small gift to let her know she was often in his thoughts."--Candy Fontz
“Of all my accomplishments, the most gratifying thing for me has been developing talent in students.”
"I student taught in 1972 at Glen Burnie High School and went under contract with the Anne Arundel County Board of Education as a theatre arts teacher. At the time, there were no dance classes offered in the school system, so I developed a dance curriculum for credit, taught it during the school day, and grew it into the largest dance program in a public high school in Maryland." --Dianne Rosso
Inspiring Students through the Media Center
"Our current media specialist, Cynthia Bischoff, joined our school only a year ago, but she has made a great impact on our students." --Cindy Holsworth on Cynthia Bischoff
“Evelyn Foutty was a force of nature at Benfield Elementary”
"Evelyn Foutty was a force of nature at Benfield Elementary School in the 70s." --Mary Claire Chesshire
Mr. Collins Sparked My Passion for Teaching
"As I look back on why I am the teacher I am today, I think of one man who truly was an inspiration to all who walked through the doors of Chesapeake High School." --Jennie Merrill, SPES
