The “Faces of AACPS” campaign celebrates the people who make Anne Arundel County Public Schools awesome. Since the beginning of 2016, Anne Arundel County Public Schools has been asking current and past members of our school community to tell us about a person, opportunity, or experience in AACPS has had a positive impact in their life.
My Journey with AACPS
“My journey with AACPS began over 25 years ago, as a young child who was embarking on his first days of Kindergarten.”--Timothy Smith, Folger McKinsey Elementary
A Legacy of Teachers
“The women in my family have given over 100 year of teachings to AACPS.”--Elizabeth Parker, NHS
Teaching is My Purpose
"My passion for science led me to pursue every program possible to acquire more effective teaching practices and increased first-hand collaboration with scientists in the real world to bring back these wonderful opportunities to enhance student experiences."--Debbie Sparby, SPMS
Beyond the Teaching Standards
"A teacher never stops learning because our students are always changing."--Charlene Beyerlein, Jones Elementary
Paying Teaching Forward
"I hope that one day, my students will remember me as fondly as I remember the teachers who had a positive impact on my life."--Jill Weigelt, Arundel Middle
Why I Love Teaching
"Throughout the years I have met some of the most endearing children, interesting families, knowledgeable experts and compassionate professionals of my life."--Ronnie Barill, Van Bokkelen Elementary
Reflecting on my Honorable Profession
“I have come to realize that my philosophy of teaching can not be summarized into one word or phrase. It is a belief, a passion, and a responsibility.”—Nicole Hughes, Windsor Farm Elementary
Child-Centered Learning
“When student diversity is accounted for, all students will succeed.”—Debra Biggs, Pasadena Elementary, 2017 Teacher of the Year Honoree
Inspired to Be My Best
“My students and colleagues inspire me to be the best that I can be. I endeavor to do the same for them.”—Dawn Conway, Hillsmere Elementary
The Key to a Successful Year
"What worked in the classroom today, may not work tomorrow. Therefore, I am continuously seeking new ideas."--Alane Connolly, Shady Side Elementary
What a Perfect Job
"I love the promise that each new school year brings. I love the smell of a fresh box of crayons. I love seeing the smile on a child’s face when they feel good about themselves."--Josalyn Brown, Crofton Woods Teacher
Helping Students Develop a Love of Learning
"My teaching approach encourages creativity, cultivates independence, and develops an intrinsic sense of wonder [in my students] about themselves, their community and the world around us."--Sharon Mattoon, Solley Elementary Teacher
“You’re Our Biggest Fan”
" I remember my first grade teacher finding ways to communicate with me, a shy, intimated girl who spoke no English...It is important to me to teach the same way I’ve been taught."--Sunny Deitrick, ELA Teacher, OMHS
Forming Relationships Before Day One
"It is just as important to have children thrive emotionally as it is for them to achieve academically."--Angela Holmes, Oak Hill Elementary School
Passionate for Learning
"It is important for students to know that I am invested in them as a person with diverse interests and not just in the classroom."--Bethany Siwajek, Marley Middle School Teacher
My Teaching Philosophy
"I believe there are outstanding teachers because they are in the line of work for the right reasons."--Kristen Brice, RHL Elementary Teacher
Teaching Like a Doctor
"I must understand my students, identify concerns, diagnose the areas of difficulty and problem solve for solutions."--Lisa Taltavull, Crofton Middle School Special Education Teacher
Reaching Towards Individualized Growth
"Teaching is part of who I am, and thank goodness there is still much to learn."--Tonia Haislip, Bates Middle School Teacher
A Shift in Classroom Dynamic
"I would not be a teacher without them, so the classroom is just as much theirs as it is mine."--Margaret Graham, CBMS Teacher
My Journey to Becoming a Mathematics Resource Teacher
"In 9th grade I met an Algebra teacher who changed my life goals. She would give up her planning time to sit with me and explain the 'why' of Algebra. This one teacher gave me the hope that I could be an effective Math teacher just like her."--Lori Berry, Woodside Elementary School Math Resource Teacher
Uncovering the Talents in Every Child
"I’ve learned that to truly get to know a child I must exude behavior that is both collaborative and inclusive with not only the student, but with all key stakeholders in each child’s life."--Stacey Coppock, Folger McKinsey Teacher
Connecting With My Students to Build Better Relationships
"The more I learn, the better able I am to provide engaging lessons that support them in growing as learners and rise to their fullest potential."--Christina McCall, Deale ES
“Be the beacon that guides students”
"Receiving an education should inspire and encourage students to strive to be productive members of a community, great citizens, and meaningful contributors of society."--Tori Peddicord, Southern Middle School
Being the Constant for My Students
"It was and still is my mission that every student can exceed everyone's expectations given the appropriate environment and support so that they can become successful contributing members of society."--Tamara Saxon, MM@JAA Teacher
Creating an Engaging Environment for All Students
"Classrooms are not quiet. They should be filled with conversation and movement."--Amy Shinn, Central ES Teacher
Whatever it takes to help my students succeed in math
"If I can give them at least one year where they feel successful in math, then that will carry throughout high school."--Laura Casciato, Central Middle School
Championing the Whole Child
"Building relationships with my students and their families is at the core of my instructional success. I need to reach the whole child for my students to reach their fullest potential."--Kim Travers, MHES
Teaching with Love
"My mother was not an educator, however, she was my first teacher. She disciplined with love, and I try to do the same in my classroom."--Linda Ancin, Freetown Elementary
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.
More than a Job: Teaching is a Passion
"My philosophy for teaching is very simple. Everything I do, every interaction that I have with my students, must serve the students to educate and make them feel empowered."--Stacey Scofield, Mills-Parole Elementary School Librarian
Four Elements that Drive My Classroom
"My experience has led me to hold four elements sacred in my classroom...high expectations, engaging & differentiated instruction, parent involvement, and a culture of student dignity & value."--Sally Paz y Miño Wilson, THES Teacher
Balancing Development & Knowledge in the Music Classroom
"Talent is only as developed as our mastery of skills allow. I have found that doing alone is not always enough--PRACTICE MAKES PERMANENT, NOT NECESSARILY PERFECT."--Robert Stojakovich, MRMS Teacher
Building the Foundation of Learning Through Relationships
"I believe that building relationships with students and staff is the glue that holds all the essential components of teaching and learning together."--Nancy Hack-Behringer, Mayo Elementary Teacher
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
Students set to showcase their creativity and innovation at Global academic competition
"Destination Imagination, Inc. is a global, volunteer-led non-profit whose mission is to teach students the creative process and help them gain the 21st century skills needed to succeed in the future workforce, including creative and critical thinking, collaborative problem solving and project management. The only elementary-level team from Anne Arundel County invited to compete in Global Finals and represent Maryland is the Millersville Masterminds, from Millersville Elementary."--Stephanie Ashley, Parent
Exploring the Medical Field through BMAH
"Even though I am only a freshman in the BioMedical Allied Health Program (BMAH), I have already discovered so much about the entire field of medicine, from the anatomy to public medical crises and soft skills."--Annaliese, Student
Now: BMAH; Next Step: Harvard
"I am just a freshman, I have already been presented with many incredible opportunities that strongly relate to my future medical aspirations, such as the Anne Arundel Medical Center Job Shadow, the live fundoplication procedure, the Tech Mania Job Shadow, and the Maryland Shock Trauma Job Shadow, just to name a few."--Julia, Student
Following my future with BMAH
"I joined the BioMedial Allied Health Magnet Program and I was placed on a pathway that put me on the right track for my career. After a terrible accident during my junior year I thought I was going to be sick of the medical profession but the medical professionals I met inspired to me to be the best me."--Jennifer, Student
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
Wayne Shipley, Arundel High School, Class of 1962
Wayne’s lifelong love of the performing arts began on a high school dare. But over the course of his 30+ years as an English teacher in Anne Arundel County and, later, as an independent filmmaker, Wayne has shared his passion for literature and the arts to help his students—in and out of the classroom—find and follow their own visions for the future.
Giving Back with Help from My Guidance Counselor
My Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Lewis, takes time to help everyone with their needs. Even though she is extremely busy she will do anything you need. Like recently I wanted to open a club to help others that are less fortunate in the community and now our club, the Human Relations Committee, consists of 17 members in the group.
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
Our Great School: Arundel Middle
"Thank you for all you do for our sons. They look forward to school each day."--Kallie Ramey, Parent
My favorite story from my first year at Marley Middle
"I am in my second year teaching at Marley Middle. Being a "new" veteran teacher I was embraced by faculty and staff and I was made to feel welcome. I wanted to share my favorite story from my first year at Marley..." Brenda Osborne, Teacher
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
The Most Kind and Caring Guidance Counselor
"We are relatively new to our area and the newness still hadn't worn off, leaving both my husband and I feeling misunderstood and uncertain about how things were going to go for us with the boys here in Severna Park. I reached out to Ms. Fincher to talk and she responded immediately.... Upon meeting her, her smile immediately made me feel better."--Lara Grossi
