Shirley J. Lowrie "Thank You for Teaching" Award

Richard Ensley, a first grade teacher at Diamond Elementary School, is this year’s winner of the Shirley J. Lowrie “Thank You for Teaching” Award.

His principal calls him enthusiastic, engaging, caring, fun and motivational. His classroom is inviting and promotes openness, mutual respect, support and inquiry. He establishes personal and meaningful relationships with each of his students, learning their likes and dislikes, hobbies and challenges. His toolkit includes making real-world connections and using humorous pseudonyms, including Dr. Ensley for science where he wears a doctor’s jacket and a white wig. For math, he becomes Captain Math. For reading, he becomes Reading Robot and for writing, he transforms into Writing Wizard.

Ensley believes that all students can master grade-level curriculum with appropriate accommodations. He routinely communicates to his students: “I believe in you,” “I won’t give up on you” and “This is important.” He gives his students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their understanding on a specific skill. He uses a variety of strategies to meet his students’ needs, including thinking aloud, explanatory devices for clarity and using equitable strategies. He often pretends to make mistakes while teaching, encouraging his students to correct him. The kids love it and are captivated by his lessons, rarely looking away for fear of missing something fun and exciting. His teaching philosophy seems to include, “If they’re laughing, they’re learning.”

A 16-year veteran of MCPS, Ensley has also taught fourth grade. He holds a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in elementary education and special education and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Towson University. He is an adjunct professor for the elementary education program at Towson.