From left, Kelly Bruce, Arthur Middleton Elementary School; Aerika Doublin, North Point High School; and Caitlin Timko, Piccowaxen Middle School.
LA PLATA, Md. — The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative — SMECO — recently honored outstanding teachers in the subjects of science, math, career and technical education (CTE) and STEM, which incorporates science, technology, engineering and math.
Educators from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties were recognized April 23 at the SMECO Outstanding Teachers Awards dinner.
Teachers who earn the award consistently tailor instruction to meet the various needs of students, they create a classroom environment that supports and encourages learning, and continue to seek out professional learning opportunities for themselves.
Seven Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teachers were recognized for their contributions to the math, science, CTE and STEM fields.
Alissa Queen, a teacher at Mary B. Neal Elementary School, was honored for math instruction. “It is truly magical to watch students be so engaged in their learning while meeting math standards,” instructional resource teacher Pauline Shaker said of Queen’s intentional planning for her students.
From left, Taylor Nissen, Theodore Davis Middle School and Allisa Queen, Mary B. Neal Elementary School.
Also honored for teaching math was Taylor Nissen, a math teacher at Theodore G. Davis Middle School. He takes time to work with students one-on-one, a practice that is appreciated by many. “He wants all of his students to be successful,” Anna Nadasky, a Davis seventh-grade student, said. “When I stay after, he helps me understand the topic with multiple examples.”
Nicholas Behing of Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and Adebukunola Isaacs of Thomas Stone High School were each recognized for science instruction.
Behning’s contributions to Stoddert go beyond the classroom. “He inspires confidence, curiosity and a love of learning in students,” Victor Lopez, a social studies teacher, said. “[These are] qualities that will benefit them long after they leave the classroom.”
At Stone, Issacs challenges students to think critically through hands-on lab experiences while designing lessons to engage all students. “Her ability to differentiate instruction ensures that diverse learners are both supported and challenged in meaningful ways,” Jahan Savage-Spriggs, administrative intern, said.
From left, Nicholas Behning, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and Adebukunola Isaacs, Thomas Stone High School.
Three teachers were recognized for their contributions to CTE and STEM education. Kelly Bruce is a fourth-grade teacher at Arthur Middleton Elementary School, Caitlin Timko teaches math at Piccowaxen Middle School and Aerika Doublin is a teacher in the CTE cosmetology program at North Point High School.
Bruce’s classroom at Middelton brims with materials to aid students in learning STEM concepts. “Anchor charts, manipulatives, student-created work and structured routines all showcase the care she puts into ensuring that every student can succeed,” math coach Christina Gardiner said.
Timko engages students with fun and interesting lessons. “Her class is never boring,” Colby Fairman, an eighth-grade student, said. “Even topics that seem difficult at first become enjoyable because of how she presents them.”
Students in Doublin’s cosmetology classes appreciate the knowledge and experience she shares with them, as they prepare for a career after graduation. “She models the dedication, creativity and customer care that define this profession,” Melissa Revell, CISCO computer teacher, said. “Her students respond deeply; they trust her, respect her and thrive under her guidance.”
SMECO has been holding the Outstanding Teacher Awards program for more than 30 years. To read more, visit SMECO.coop.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high-quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices.
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (students), or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).