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Programs > Awards and Recognition > Teacher of the Year > Teachers of the Year 2015 - 2016
Teachers of the Year 2015 - 2016

Maryland Teachers of the Year 2015 - 2016
Nominees by City / County
Click on the smaller photo for a larger photo and bio.

Ryan Kaiser, Baltimore City
2015-2016 Maryland Teacher of the Year

Dr. Stephanie MarchbankDr. Stephanie Marchbank
English
Mountain Ridge High School
Allegany County

Jennie Merrill
Jennie Merrill

Grade 5
Severna Park Elementary School

Anne Arundel County

2015-2016 Maryland
Teacher of the Year

Ryan Kaiser
Ryan Kaiser
Social Studies
The Mount Washington School
Baltimore City

Orly Mondell
Orly Mondell
Government
New Town High School

Baltimore County
Robert Frederick James
Robert Frederick James
Social Studies
Huntingtown High School
Calvert County
Cheryl Carmean
Cheryl Carmean

Physics and Mathematics
North Caroline High School
Caroline County
Rachel McCusker
Rachel McCusker

Music, Piney
Ridge Elementary School
Carroll County
Jacob Bauer Zebley
Jacob Bauer Zebley

Social Studies
Elkton Middle School
Cecil County

Sarah Desrosiers
Sarah Desrosiers

Special Education & Life Skills
Theodore Davis Middle School
Charles County
Emily Maddox
Emily Maddox

Special Education
Sandy Hill Elementary School
Dorchester County
Amanda Portner
Amanda Portner

Literacy Specialist
Thurmont Middle School
Frederick County
Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler
Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler

Environmental Science & Biology
Northern Garrett High School
Garrett County
Laura Potter
Laura Potter

Mathematics
C. Milton Wright High School
Harford County
Stephanie Geddie
Stephanie Geddie
Kindergarten Instructional Team Leader
Laurel Woods Elementary School
Howard County

Marion Elizabeth Goetz (Liza)
Marion Elizabeth Goetz (Liza)
Agriculture and Science
Kent County High School
Kent County
Joseph Gannon
Joseph Gannon

AP World History and Honors
& US History
Damascus High School
Montgomery County
Renee Roth
Renee Roth

Grade 3
Tulip Grove Elementary School
Prince George's County
Barbara Southerland
Barbara Sutherland

Biomedical Sciences -- Chemistry, Biology, Career Technology
Kent Island High School
Queen Anne's County
Melodi Power
Melodi Power
Media Specialist
Greenwood Elementary School
Somerset County
Sabra R. Szczyglowski
Sabra R. Szczyglowski

Physical Education
Evergreen Elementary School
St. Mary's County
Kevin Baum
Kevin Baum

Health & Physical Education
St. Michaels &
Tilghman Elementary School
Talbot County
Sally Irwin
Sally Irwin

Project Lead the Way
Biomedical Science Teacher
Washington County Technical High School
Washington County
Kimberly McGlinchey
Kimberly McGlinchey

Special Education
Wicomico High School
Wicomico County

Cassidy Hamborsky
Cassidy Hamborsky

English Language Arts, Grade 7
Snow Hill Middle School
Worcester County

 

Teacher Of The Year Bios 2015-2016

Allegany County - Dr. Stephanie Marchbank, English, Mountain Ridge High School
Stephanie Marchbank earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership in 2015, her Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision in 2006, and her second Bachelor's Degree in English Education in 2001, all from Frostburg State University; she received her first Bachelor Degree in Language and Literature in 1993 from St. Mary's College of Maryland. She is her school's ELA Instructional leader and has served as assessment coordinator and mentor teacher. She is also a member of the School Improvement Team, Emergency Planning Team, public relations committee, and scholarship committee. She worked as an adjunct university professor and volunteers in her church and as a PTO member.


Anne Arundel County - Jennie Merrill, Grade 5, Severna Park Elementary School
Jennie, a Nationally Board Certified teacher, earned her Bachelor's Degree in English and Elementary Education from University of Maryland At Baltimore County in 1999 and her Master's Degree in Instructional Systems and Design from UMBC in 2005. Jennie served as Intermediate Team Leader, DI Mentor and Professional Development presenter. She is a member of the Educator Effectiveness Academy Team, School Improvement Team and S.T.E.M Team. She volunteers at her school's annual variety show and as secretary of the Annapolis Striders Running Class. Awards include Severna Park P.T.A. Teacher of the Year, AA County Exemplary Program Award, Wal-Mart District Teacher of Year, and Severna Park Community Trustee Award.


Baltimore City – Ryan Kaiser, Social Studies, The Mount Washington School
Mr. Kaiser is a 6th- and 7th-grade social studies teacher at The Mount Washington School with more than 16 years of experience, including 10 years in Baltimore. He is also the school's coach for the Baltimore Urban Debate League, a mentor teacher, and a teacher member of the school's Parent Teacher Organization. Outside the classroom, he writes middle school honors curriculum for City Schools, serves as the communications coordinator for the Maryland Council for Social Studies, and writes curriculum and lesson plans for teachers nationwide for the White House Visitor's Center. Ryan received his B.A. Degree in Elementary Education as well as his M.A. Degree in Elementary Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.


Baltimore County – Orly Mondell, Government, New Town High School
Known as the Grade 9 "mom" at Baltimore County's New Town High School, Orly Mondell teaches government and serves as Grade 9 coordinator, mentor, and team leader. At New Town since 2008, she is also a Leadership Team member, team leader for Advanced Placement and for Government, and curriculum writer. Orly earned a Bachelor's Degree in History from Yeshiva University Stern College for Women in 2002 and a Master's Degree in Social Studies Grades 6-12 from New York University in 2003. She is an active member of Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Congregation, acting director of the Bernie Smith Hebrew School, and member of the Summit Park Elementary Parent-Teacher Association.


Calvert County – Robert Frederick James, Social Studies, Huntingtown High School
Robert James received his B.A. from Oneonta State and his M.S. from Cortland State, both in New York. He is a mentor teacher who utilizes collaboration and technology to increase student enrollment and performance in Advanced Placement courses. His A.P. SIPP, Student Interactive Paperless Platform, has accelerated the development of student skills for A.P. and for Maryland CCRS. Robert is a member of the School Improvement Team, the Technology Committee, the English-Social Studies Collaboration, and the Writing Progression Team. He is the recipient of the MSET Outstanding Educator Using Technology Award for CCPS and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.


Caroline County – Cheryl Carmean, Physics and Mathematics, North Caroline High School
Cheryl earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Delaware in 1987 and Masters of Science Degree in Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 1989. She worked as a design engineer with Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers in Denver, CO from 1989 to 1991. Obtaining her teacher certification in 2011, she has participated in developing the Caroline County curriculum for Physical Science, Physics and AP Physics. She is an active member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Ridgely, MD where she teaches 8th grade religious education. Awards include ETS Recognition of Excellence for both physics and mathematics content knowledge.


Carroll County – Rachel McCusker, Music, Piney Ridge Elementary School
Rachel earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Towson State University in 1993 and a Master's Degree in School Administration from McDaniel College in 2004. Rachel has served as an instructional leadership co-chair, a school improvement team co-chair, and a member of the Education That Is Multicultural Committee. She has also served as chair of the county Fine Arts Improvement Committee and is a member of the Carroll County Teacher Advisory Council. Rachel contributes to the next generation of teachers by mentoring newly hired teachers and student teachers and serving as an adjunct faculty member at McDaniel College.


Cecil County – Jacob Bauer Zebley, Social Studies, Elkton Middle School

Jacob Zebley, is a public education advocate who teaches about the past through modern methods with technology in a virtually paperless classroom. He advises his school's running club, coordinates and directs the annual variety show, and is an active member in school wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). He creates county curriculum, provides school and county professional development, and mentors future teachers. Jake earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Curriculum & Instruction at McDaniel College.


Charles County – Sarah Desrosiers, Special Education & Life Skills, Theodore Davis Middle School

Ms. Sarah Desrosiers, who holds a Masters in Special Education, is a twelve year veteran special education teacher. Reaching her students with compassion and creativity, their successes drive Ms. Desrosiers as a teacher. She is a highly qualified teacher who has been nominated for Charles County Special Education Citizens Advisory Award. Ms. Desrosiers provides consultations on issues associated with developmental disabilities, behavior, and Autism. Recently, Ms. Desrosiers has presented at Common Ground (2014), Council for Exceptional Children (2015), and The Catholic University of America Bridging the Spectrum Symposium (2015). Ms. Desrosiers formed the Middle School Unified Sports Program.

Dorchester County – Emily Maddox, Special Education, Sandy Hill Elementary School
Emily Maddox, a Pittsburgh native, calls Cambridge home, where she resides with her husband and sons. Emily received her Bachelor's Degree in elementary and special education from Geneva College and earned her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University. She began her teaching career at Cambridge-South Dorchester High as a special educator and won Dorchester's First Class Teacher of the Year award. Currently, she teaches special education at Sandy Hill Elementary. She desires to passionately serve the youth of Dorchester County in and out of school and leading Young Life and Young Lives has enabled her to do so.


Frederick County – Amanda Portner, Literacy Specialist, Thurmont Middle School
As the Literacy Specialist at her school, Ms. Portner touches the lives of students and faculty daily. She works with her students and teachers countywide to help improve achievement and instruction. She inspires others with her contagious enthusiasm. She conducts numerous professional workshops. Amanda earned her B.S. in English Education from Shippensburg University, her M.S. in English Curriculum/Instruction, and her Administrative Certificate from Hood College. She also has leadership roles with the Maryland Writing Project, the Black-Eyed Susan Reading committee and worked closely with MSDE during its transition to Common Core.


Garrett County – Rebecca Kenyon-Sisler, Environmental Science & Biology, Northern Garrett High School
Rebecca has taught science in Garrett County for thirteen years. She teaches AP environmental science and biology along with various other science courses. She is her school's MD Green Schools coordinator and a new teacher mentor. As an Envirothon advisor, her teams have advanced to the state competition nine times in the past eleven years. Rebecca holds her Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Environmental Education Processional Certification and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification. She has collaborated with local organizations, government agencies, and landowners to initiate and maintain a student – centered brook trout restoration project.


Harford County – Laura Potter, Mathematics, C. Milton Wright High School
"The only thing that Mrs. Potter loves more than math is when other people love math," says one of her students. Laura earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Notre Dame University of Maryland in 2001 and a Master's Degree in Teaching from Towson University in 2005. She currently serves as Mathematics Department Chairperson, Professional Development Presenter and School Improvement Team member. In her church community, Laura volunteers as Religious Education Chairperson, teacher and board member. Laura has been recognized as an Outstanding Educator by the Chesapeake Chamber of Commerce and received the William J Sacco Mathematics Educator award in 2015.


Howard County – Stephanie Geddie, Kindergarten Instructional Team Leader, Laurel Woods Elementary School
Stephanie earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University in 1997 and a Master's Degree from Johns Hopkins University in 2011 by completing a dual certificate program in Leadership in Family, School, & Community Collaboration and Administration & Supervision. Stephanie facilitates the Classroom-Focused Improvement Process and has served on numerous school teams, including School Improvement and Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports. Stephanie is co-founder of Building Blocks Network, a parent outreach program, and has been a teacher mentor to UMBC student interns. Awards include the 2015 Washington Post's Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher, HCPSS Special Education Advisory Committee, and Baltimore Ravens' 2014 Teacher of the Year nominee.


Kent County – Marion Elizabeth Goetz (Liza), Agriculture and Science, Kent County High School
Liza is an integral part of multiple leadership roles. She serves on the Agricultural Task Force, is head of the Green Schools Committee, and a member of the guiding coalition for the professional learning community in her school. She is also Envirothon advisor, FFA advisor and Lead Educator for Washington College Rivers to Bay program. Ms. Goetz works tirelessly engaging students in real world projects and firmly believes classrooms should not have walls.
She holds a B.S. in Horticultural Science from Delaware Valley College and a Master's Degree in Education from Wilmington University.


Montgomery County – Joseph Gannon, AP World History and Honors & US History, Damascus High School
Joseph is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.A. degree in History and a B.A. in Social Studies Education. He is proud of the very popular and highly successful AP World History Program which he began and implemented in 2002. He has coached the Debate Teams and won Montgomery County Championships as well as qualifying a number of students to the National Competition. Joe also started the International Travel Program in 2001 which has exposed over 750 students to countries and cultures around the world. He considers his greatest accomplishment to be creating a rigorous but safe sanctuary for learning for each and every student.


Prince George's County – Renee Roth, Grade 3, Tulip Grove Elementary School
Renee Roth earned a bachelor's degree in human development from Marquette University in 1985 and a master's in education from the University of Maryland in 1991. She strives to build skills that will effectively reach all students. She shares her talents by serving as mentor, professional development lead, team leader, and member of the School Improvement Team and Educator Effectiveness Academy. She founded the Science Club, and coordinates STEM fairs. In her community, Roth served as adjunct professor for Bowie State University, volunteers on her church's education team, and teaches vacation bible school. Roth was awarded the City of Bowie's "Excellence in Education" Award in 2002, achieved National Board Certification in 2004, and was named City of Bowie Teacher of the Month in 2009.


Queen Anne's County – Barbara Sutherland, Biomedical Sciences -- Chemistry, Biology, Career Technology, Kent Island High School
With a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of New England and an M.A. in Instructional Systems Development from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Barbara Sutherland started a career in education after working five years in the biomedical field. Barbara's belief that all students have the capability to learn and contribute motivates her to hold high academic standards in her Chemistry, Biology, and Career Technology Education courses as well as fosters community service within her school. Developing the school's Biomedical Sciences Program, advising to the school's National Honor Society Chapter, and providing tutoring beyond the school day exemplifies Barbara's leadership style: leading by example.


Somerset County – Melodi Power, Media Specialist, Greenwood Elementary School
Melodi infuses technology with kinesthetic learning. Her televised announcements highlight student accomplishments, character education, and encourage reading through music videos. She serves as Webmaster, Reading Is Fundamental Coordinator, and Technology Committee Leader. She is a Leadership, SIT, Early Childhood Committee member, and serves on State Committees: School Library Media Committee, MDK12 Steering Committee, and Digital Library Consortium. She conducts professional development online, within schools, and state-wide and received an Elementary Education BS from West Chester University, Technology Integration MA from Walden University, and was awarded Teacher of the Year at John B. Cary in Hampton, VA ('03). Advocating for children with rheumatoid arthritis, Melodi has addressed members of Congress.


St. Mary's County – Sabra R. Szczyglowski, Physical Education, Evergreen Elementary SchoolSabra, a Maryland Demonstration School elementary Physical Education teacher, has an undergraduate degree in Education from Youngstown State University and a graduate degree in Human Resource Development from Towson University. Named 2012-13 Eastern District Society of Health and Physical Educators Elementary School Teacher of the Year, she represented thirteen states. In 2013 she co-developed S.T.E.M. curriculum at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston. As a past recipient of the Simon McNeely Award, she has been a presenter at National and State Physical Education conventions, and a swim and tennis team coach. She is a program designer/coordinator/grant recipient, Mentor Teacher, a New Teacher Facilitator, and coordinator of two National charitable fund raising programs.


Talbot County – Kevin Baum, Health & Physical Education, St. Michaels & Tilghman Elementary School
A health and physical education teacher at St. Michaels Elementary in Talbot County, Kevin is a graduate of Lock Haven University in PA with a Bachelor of Science degree. Working with the community, he coordinates various afterschool programs for students. He serves on the school Equity Team, Olweus Bullying Prevention Committee, School Wellness Committee, Equity Team and Faculty Advisory Committee. Kevin tries to instill the importance of physical activity in his students on a daily basis. This past year he teamed with a SMES Reading Specialist and developed a reading incentive program – "Get Reading, Get Moving". Kevin believes that school and community should work together to educate the whole child through partnerships and collaboration. He resides, with his wife and two sons, in St. Michaels. MD.


Washington County – Sally Irwin, Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science Teacher Washington County Technical High School
Sally Irwin allows students to make real world connections through project-based learning. Irwin's program was selected to showcase student projects at the 2015 Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus on Capitol Hill; nominated for the 2014 American School Board Journal Magna Award and received the Outstanding Career and Technology Program Award in 2011 from MSDE. A Master Teacher for Medical Interventions at Stevenson University, a PDP coach for PLTW and a presenter at elementary and middle school STEM nights, Sally demonstrates a passion for STEM education. She earned a B.S. in Medical Technology, a M.S. in Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, both from West Virginia University and a M.A. in Teaching from Frostburg State University.


Wicomico County – Kimberly McGlinchey, Special Education, Wicomico High School
Kimberly McGlinchey, a graduate of York College, earned her master's degree from University of Maryland Eastern Shore in special education. She has taught at Wicomico High School for 13 years. At WiHi she served on various instructional leadership team committees and is currently the special education department chair. She is a coach for outdoor track, an advisor to the National Honor Society, a mentor, and the co-organizer for the WiHi Free Application Federal Student Aid assistance school event for students and parents. She also helps at the Salvation Army at Christmas time with the National Honor Society and has recently started taping sporting events to help students get recruited for college.


Worcester County – Cassidy Hamborsky, English Language Arts, Grade 7, Snow Hill Middle School
Cassidy Hamborsky earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Education, as well as a Masters of Education in Reading Instruction from Salisbury University. In her ninth year at Snow Hill Middle School, Hamborsky currently teaches seventh grade English Language Arts. She believes that building positive student relationships is instrumental in successfully engaging young minds. Hamborsky strives to create an active learning environment with high expectations where students feel safe. She is a mentor teacher to university interns, a member of her School Improvement Team, a teacher for after school and summer academies, and a mentor to at-risk middle and high school students.


Contact Information
Dr. Darla Strouse, Executive Director
Partnerships and Recognition Programs
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone:  410-767-0369
Fax:  410-333-2226
Email:  darla.strouse@maryland.gov
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