State teacher of year finalists named
The other finalists are: Carol Garner, Allegany County; Ketia C. Stokes, Baltimore City; Sean McComb, Baltimore County; Steven Luthultz, Cecil County; George McGurl; and Christina A. Ulrich, Montgomery County.
The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, teacher unions, parents and higher education. Finalists were measured against a rigorous set of national criteria that include teaching philosophy and results, community involvement, knowledge of general education issues, and suggestions for professional and instructional improvement. Oral interviews with the seven finalists will be conducted on Sept. 21.
Hogan is the second Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) teacher to be a finalist for the state award in the last three years. Southern Middle School language arts teacher Laura Groo was a finalist in 2011. AACPS has had 12 finalists since 1986-87, and two of those – Patricia Neidhardt in 1989 and Linda Adamson in 1994 – have been named Maryland Teacher of the Year.
“I am extremely honored to represent the county on the state level,” Hogan said. “Since being named the county Teacher of the Year, I have felt a greater responsibility to share all of the great work that goes on here. My students expect more from me, and I know that I must deliver.”
Hogan was named AACPS’ 2012-2013 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year in April. She is the first South River teacher and the first World and Classical Languages teacher to win the award since its inception in 1986-87.
Hogan began her career at South River in 1999 and has stayed there ever since. She is known at the school and throughout the county as a passionate educator who shares her love of language, culture, and travel with her students in multi-dimensional ways that have them returning eager to learn more.
“I am absolutely thrilled by the news of Ms. Hogan’s selection as a finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year,” South River High School Principal Will Myers said. “She epitomizes the concept of a master teacher, combined with character, charm, and grace. Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give her is that if I could select only one special teacher for my own children, it would be Ms. Hogan.”
In addition to her high school classes, Hogan is an instructor for higher-aspiring educators at Gratz College. In 2011, she was named Maryland Language Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Foreign Language Association.
George McGurl is a sixth grade Science Teacher at Burleigh Manor Middle School. He leads his school in environmental education, Green School, and STEM programs. His creative approach and use of many different teaching strategies ensures that he meets the needs of every student. This earned him the Agnes Meyer Distinguished Teacher award for 2013 along with recognition for making a difference in the community. He earned his B.S. in education from the University of Maryland and his M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel University.
The 2013-2014 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s West in Baltimore on October 11. The winner will receive cash awards, 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.
