Teachers Acclaimed for Excellence

Two standing ovations, dozens of hugs, and endless cheers from supporters wrapped up the School Board’s most recent recognition ceremony. The Board and Superintendent of Schools Steve Walts, along with educators and administrators from across the county, gathered together to honor thirty-nine teachers for their teaching excellence on Wednesday, January 25 at Forest Park High School. Thirteen county teachers were honored for earning their National Board Certification, while the other twenty-six were being celebrated as nominees for The Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award.

School Board Chairman Lucy S. Beauchamp spoke highly of the teachers, noting that their achievements are what make Prince William County Schools one of the best school divisions in the nation. “I would put our teachers up against any in the country and I know without a doubt that we will always come out on top,” said Beauchamp.

Throughout the ceremony, Beauchamp continued to commend the teachers on their dedication, while thanking them for their continued commitment to our schools.

Dr. Walts also commented on the teachers’ excellence, adding that the National Board Certified instructors had to undertake a rigorous course of study in addition to their existing teaching duties. “They have to submit portfolios, participate in interviews, and even have their classroom teaching videotaped for review,” he said. “The fact that these teachers have made the significant commitment that is required is a credit to them and their families, and we congratulate them on their accomplishment.”

National Board Certification indicates that the teachers have met a set of standards established by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards that define the knowledge, skills, and accomplishments that comprise teaching excellence. Teachers who earn their National Board Certification receive a $2,000 stipend from Prince William County Schools for each year of the certificate, which is good for ten years and can be renewed.

Teachers are nominated for the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award program by parents and colleagues who have witnessed first-hand the works of the instructor. In order to be entered into the competition, the nominator must take the time to fill out an extensive questionnaire packet along with several written testimonials and support for the teacher from an administrative supervisor. The act of being nominated alone is an honor. The Post will announce twenty winners in April, one representing the private schools and nineteen representing the public school systems of the Washington metropolitan area. Each award winner will receive $3,000 from the Post at a ceremony in April.

2005 National Board Certified Teachers

Donald Allen, Woodbridge High School
Connie Balkom , Mountain View Elementary School
Shawn Baugh, Triangle Elementary School
James Bish, Woodbridge High School
Mary Bowes, Hearing Impaired Office
Jane Carr, Bristow Run Elementary School
Deborah Ellis , Mary Williams Elementary School
Marcia Hoenle, Reading Recovery Coordinator
Megan Hostutler, C.D. Hylton High School
Joseph Huddle, Battlefield High School
Kelly Johnson, Cedar Point Elementary School
Barbara Rohr, West Gate Elementary School
Tamara Zimmerman, Parkside Middle School

2005-06 Agnes Meyer Nominees

Sally Ann Merkle Adams, Osbourn Park High School
Peter B. Bedford, C.D. Hylton High School
Neil Beech, Brentsville District High School
Rosemarie Benderoth, Graham Park Middle School
Nancy Burns, Stonewall Middle School
Martha Cannon, Osbourn Park High School
Steven Charest, PACE West
Debbie Floris, Freedom High School
Monique Gallet, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
Nancy Groves, Rippon Middle School
Harold Hall, C.D. Hylton High School
Ramona Hauptman, Mountain View Elementary School
Mary Devlin Hayden, Potomac High School
Irene King, Louise A. Benton Middle School
Joseph Kulmayer, Jr., Potomac High School
Barbara Leigh, Old Bridge Elementary School
Mary Magneson, C.D. Hylton High School
Kathryn McNeely, Belmont Elementary School
Cynthia “Riley” O’Casey, Bull Run Middle School
Patricia Parker, Woodbridge High School
Barbara Piotter, Fred Lynn Middle School
Brandie Provenzano, Battlefield High School
Carlotta Staples, River Oaks Elementary School
William Wesley Willis, Jr., Gar-Field High School
William Woodie, Parkside Middle School
Julie Zang-Svendsen, West Gate Elementary School.

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