Nominations Opening Soon for Teacher and Principal Awards

Get ready to pay tribute to your colleagues; awards season is here! Nominations are opening soon for several competitions to honor exceptional teachers and administrators. They are—

The Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award: The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year Award honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who has a demonstrated record of high academic expectations for all students, engaging students of all backgrounds and abilities, contributing to a positive school culture, and connecting with the school community. Nominees must have a minimum of six years of teaching experience, including at least three in MCPS. The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year goes on to represent MCPS as its nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year award. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22

Montgomery County Public Schools Rising Star Teacher Award: The MCPS Rising Star Teacher Award honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who is in their first, second or third year of teaching. This award winner is a teacher who demonstrates a passion for the success of all students, creatively engages students in learning and contributes to a strong, positive partnership among students, staff, parents and the community. The winner will be recognized at a celebration in the spring and will receive a monetary award. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22

The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award: This award recognizes a full-time teacher in prekindergarten through Grade 12 who instills in students a desire to learn and achieve. Each nominee must have a minimum of five years teaching experience, three of which must be in MCPS. This teacher also must understand the individual needs of students, encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem. He or she will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter and possess the ability to share it effectively with students. The nominee fosters cooperative relationships with his/her colleagues and the community and demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. Submit applications via email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22

The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award: This award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. Principals must have at least five years of experience, including at least three in MCPS. They may not nominate themselves, but nominations may be submitted by teachers, students, former students, parents/guardians, administrators or the general public. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22

The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award: This award honors extraordinary elementary school teachers who have a deep dedication to the teaching profession. These elementary school teachers, prekindergarten through Grade 5, must work directly with students in the classroom on a daily basis, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter, and effectively communicate that subject matter to students. The nominee should be a teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22

The Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award: Established in 1991, this award honors MCPS principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. These qualities were exemplified by Mark Mann, a former principal of Parkland Junior High School, who died in 1988. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22