Press Release - Several State "Teachers of the Year" Hail from USM
September 27, 2001
Several State "Teachers of the Year" Hail from USM
Six of the seven semi-finalists in Maryland's 2001-2002 Teacher of the Year
program, which will honor outstanding public-school teachers on September 28,
are graduates of University System of Maryland (USM) institutions. The
remaining semi-finalist did not graduate from a USM institution, but completed
the student-teaching requirement through a special arrangement with Salisbury
University.The semi-finalists were chosen from the 24 Teachers of the Year selected in May to represent each of the state's school systems. Of the original group of 24 honorees, 19 either have degrees from University System institutions or have taken extension, professional development, or certification courses through USM institutions. Twelve of those 19 teachers have degrees from the USM. Of those 12, four hold both bachelor's and master's degrees from USM institutions.
The Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Business Roundtable Foundation to pay tribute to excellent teaching. The 2001-2002 Teacher of the Year, chosen based on an oral interview with the judging committee, will be announced September 28 during a dinner at which all 24 honorees will be recognized. Maryland's winner will then represent the state in the national Teacher of the Year program.
USM Chancellor Donald N. Langenberg praised the teachers who were selected for the honor. He said the number of Teachers of the Year with connections to the USM demonstrates the strength and breadth of the University System's teacher-education offerings.
"As the main provider of teacher-education programs in Maryland, it is obvious that we produce most of the teachers who go to work in our state's schools. But in our case, quality and quantity go hand in hand," he said. "I am delighted that we are so well represented in Maryland's classrooms, and I'm very proud MSDE has seen fit to honor this group of teachers."
The semi-finalists are:
- Christina Blackman, a special education music teacher for ages 3 through 21
at Battle Monument School in Baltimore County (holds bachelor's and
master's degrees from Towson University)
- Kathy Burtman, a kindergarten-fifth grade special education teacher at
Sandy Hill Elementary School in Dorchester County (holds bachelor's and
master's degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park)
- Linda Eberhart, a fourth/fifth grade math and science teacher at Mount
Royal School in Baltimore City (holds bachelor's and master's degrees from
Towson University)
- Mary Ruth Higgs, a first grade teacher at Greensboro Elementary School in
Caroline County (holds bachelor's degree from Salisbury University)
- Alberta Porter, a third grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School in
Harford County (holds master's degree from Towson University)
- Hillary Sandberg, a third grade teacher at Ilchester Elementary School in
Howard County (holds master's degree from University of Maryland, College
Park)
- Deborah Sheftz, an eighth grade social studies teacher at Southern Middle
School in Calvert County (did student teaching through Salisbury University)
In addition, USM institutions offer extensive professional development and extension courses for working teachers.
Contact:
Chris Hart
Phone: 301/445-2739
E-mail: chart@usmd.edu