Sean McComb, an English teacher at Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts  in Baltimore County, tonight was named the 2013-14 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Governor Martin O’Malley and State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery made the announcement during a dramatic gala in a ballroom filled with educators and dignitaries.  Among those in attendance were Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Rep. John Sarbanes, Comptroller Peter Franchot, Attorney General Douglas Gansler, and State Board Vice President Mary Kay Finan.

“Maryland schools have been ranked #1 by Education Week magazine for five years in a row because our teachers are the nation’s very best,” said Governor Martin O’Malley.  “Sean McComb is a shining representative of the many great educators who dedicate their lives to working with our State’s students.  Maryland continues to invest in public education to ensure Sean and all of our educators have the resources they need to educate Maryland’s next generation of leaders. Our children are in very good hands.”

Dr. Lowery agreed that Maryland schools receive national recognition largely on the strength of its teachers.   “Sean personifies the cutting edge Maryland educator,” she added.  “He is an energetic instructor, making certain his students set goals, commit to those targets, succeed, and move forward toward college or career.  His passionate work reflects well on our State’s education system.”

McComb focuses on creating critical readers, strong writers, and judicious thinkers.  As coordinator of the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, helping hone student work habits and academic skills. He also teaches the value of service, working on projects with students that help feed the hungry in the community.  McComb serves as a system curriculum writer and as an adjunct teacher at Towson University. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he also received a Master’s in Education degree, and is currently pursuing School Leadership certification from Goucher College.

“Our schools must provide the opportunity for any individual to become educated and economically competitive,” McComb said.  “My teaching is built on the belief that relationships and engagement can turn challenges into opportunity for excellence for all students.  As we embrace the truth, we create citizens who can live the American dream.”

Selecting McComb for the award was not easy for the judges.  The other outstanding finalists were: Carol Garner, Allegany County; Jodie Hogan, Anne Arundel County; Ketia C. Stokes, Baltimore City; Steven Luthultz, Cecil County; George McGurl, Howard County; and Christina A. Ulrich, Montgomery County.

McComb will receive a cash award, technology equipment, national travel opportunities, and the gift of a 2014 Kia Forte valued at over $25,000, which is donated by the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association.

The Maryland Teacher of the Year goes on to compete for the esteemed National Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced next April. The winner will also spend the coming year as a speaker and advisor in Maryland. He will be honored by the President at the White House next spring, participate in several national meetings and conferences, as well as in National Space Camp with fellow State Teachers of the Year.









Sean McComb   5 x 7, 300dpi photo

Presenting sponsors of the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program are Comcast, the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association, McDonald’s Family of Maryland, and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. Platinum sponsors are Bank of America, BGE, Lockheed Martin, Maryland Public Television, NTA Life, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. 

Maryland Teacher of the Year is a program of the Maryland State Department of Education with major underwriting provided by corporations and other organizations. The program is an affiliate of the National Teacher of the Year Program.  All Maryland local school systems participate, and all 24 semi-finalists are engaged throughout their selection year in learning and recognition programs and also as advisors to the State Superintendent. Selection of the Maryland Teacher of the Year is made by a Blue Ribbon Panel of Judges that represent teachers, administrators, parents, and higher education. The Maryland Teacher of the Year goes on to represent teachers throughout Maryland and also competes for the title of National Teacher of the Year. Each year, the Maryland Teacher of the Year is named at a Teacher of the Year Gala. The year 2013 marks the 23nd anniversary of Maryland’s Teacher of the Year Gala.