PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Zina McGowan-Thomas, Public Information Officer, 301-475-5511, ext. 193

BEAVAN SELECTED AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

LEONARDTOWN , MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools announces the selection of Ms. Bonnie Beavan, a mathematics teacher at Spring Ridge Middle School , as its 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year.

“Ms. Beavan is an extraordinary teacher who has changed the lives of many students,” said Dr. Michael J. Martirano , superintendent of schools. “She exudes care and compassion, is fully committed to the success of each one of her students, and finds a way to reach each one of them regardless of their academic level.”

Ms. Beavan, who earned a Master of Arts degree in leadership in teaching from the College of Notre Dame in 2007, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in human studies from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2003, has served as a mathematics teacher at Spring Ridge Middle School since joining the school system in 2003.  In conjunction with her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Beavan serves as a statistician and gym supervisor for St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks.  Her experience also includes serving as a teaching intern, young life leader, substitute teacher, camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, and child care provider.

“While her efforts are exceptional, Ms. Beavan’s results with students are phenomenal,” wrote Ms. Kathy Norton, assistant principal of Spring Ridge Middle School , in her letter of recommendation.  “Her students’ quarterly benchmark assessments exceed all other math teachers in the county.  Some of her students who began this year with basic (below average) scores are achieving advanced scores consistently.  She not only has closed the achievement gap for our students, but outperformed all others on the Adequately Yearly Growth charts.” 

All county Teacher of the Year representatives will be honored by the Maryland State Board of Education during a meeting and luncheon on May 29, 2008, in Baltimore .  Ms. Beavan will represent St. Mary’s County Public Schools as a candidate for Maryland Teacher of the Year.  This award will be announced at a banquet held in Baltimore on October 3, 2008. 

The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be presented with several prizes, will speak at numerous conferences and events, and will act as an advisor to the Maryland State Department of Education.  The Maryland Teacher of the Year is also a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.