Freetown Elementary School first-grade teacher Susan Burg has been named Anne Arundel County’s winner of the 2015 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award by The Washington Post. Burg is one of 20 winners of the honor, awarded annually by the newspaper to outstanding teachers.
The awards are named for Agnes Meyer, the wife of Eugene Meyer, a former publisher of The Washington Post. Given since 1983, they recognize teachers in prekindergarten through 12th grade who ensure students receive a high-quality education through first-class and creative instruction.
“I am incredibly honored by this, and especially touched by the letters expressing the thoughts and feelings of parents, former students, and co-workers that accompanied my nomination,” Burg said. “I am truly living my dream: teaching enthusiastic children, connecting with supportive families, and working alongside a fantastic school team. As teachers we have tremendous opportunities to impact students’ lives. When I watch my students leave our classroom loving to learn, feeling limitless, and remembering laughter, then I feel successful.”
Burg has been a teacher in Anne Arundel County Public Schools since 1997. She has taught first, second and fifth grades, and was a teacher at Tyler Heights Elementary School before moving to Freetown in 2001.
“Mrs. Burg creates a classroom community that fosters high expectations, embodies strong relationships, and builds social skills through positive discipline,” said Freetown Elementary Principal Cheryl Cox. “She builds a true partnership with parents, and all of her students feel loved and believed in. Mrs. Burg is truly an exceptional educator!”
Winners will be honored during an award ceremony at The Post in May.