PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 11, 2009

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

SMCPS RECEIVES 2009 MCSD EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools has been chosen as the 2008-2009 recipient of the Maryland Council of Staff Developers (MCSD) Award for Recognition of Excellence in Staff Development.  This award recognizes the school system for the implementation of its Professional Development Institute.

The SMCPS Professional Development Institute, under the direction of Mr. Jeff Maher, director of professional and organizational development, and Ms. Deb Faller, instructional resource teacher, was launched in 2008 as a year-long program to build capacity in school and system leaders in designing, implementing, and evaluating high quality professional development.  The program began with a three-day program last June, and continued with monthly follow-up sessions where program participants received coaching, and designed and implemented professional development activities.

“Our exceptional educators are leading the charge to deliver high quality, sustained, and job-embedded professional development,” said Dr. Michael J. Martirano , superintendent of schools. “Through these efforts, our students are winning.”

The MCSD Recognition of Excellence Award will be presented to school system representatives at the MCSD conference in October 2009.

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