Nominations Open for Several Awards Honoring Our Amazing Staff
Nominations are open for several awards to honor exceptional MCPS staff, teachers, and administrators.
The Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision
Given annually to recognize an outstanding administrator or supervisor of MCPS, eligible nominees include principals, assistant principals, school business administrators, directors, supervisors and other administrator and supervisory positions within the MCAAP/MCBOA unit. Nominees must have been an MCPS administrator for at least five years and must be a current dues-paying member of MCAAP.
Nominations can be submitted by MCPS staff, colleagues, friends, parents and community members. Self-nominations will also be accepted. The nomination packet is available here. The nomination deadline is 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. The award is presented by the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP). For questions, contact MCAAP at 301-762-8174.
2024 Edward Shirley Award Nomination Packet
The Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award: The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year Award honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who has a demonstrated record of high academic expectations for all students, engaging students of all backgrounds and abilities, contributing to a positive school culture, and connecting with the school community. Nominees must have a minimum of six years of teaching experience, including at least three in MCPS. The Montgomery County Teacher of the Year goes on to represent MCPS as its nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year award. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22
Montgomery County Public Schools Rising Star Teacher Award: The MCPS Rising Star Teacher Award honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who is in their first, second or third year of teaching. This award winner is a teacher who demonstrates a passion for the success of all students, creatively engages students in learning and contributes to a strong, positive partnership among students, staff, parents and the community. The winner will be recognized at a celebration in the spring and will receive a monetary award. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22
The Supporting Services Employee of the Year Award: This year, MCPS and SEIU Local 500 will be recognizing 24 supporting services employees who exemplify professionalism as they contribute to the success of students, staff and the community. Nominees must be active support professionals in a permanent position and have at least three years of service with MCPS. Nominations will be reviewed by members of the SEIU Local 500 Executive Board and members of the Labor-Management Committees. A semifinalist from each chapter will be selected. SEIU’s Champions for Children Final Selection Committee, composed of representatives from all three MCPS employee associations and the community, will determine the winner.
Administrators, supervisors, teachers, supporting service employees, students and community members may submit nominations. Self-nominations are also accepted. To learn more, click here. Completed nomination packets must be submitted electronically to memberservices@seiu500.org. Deadline: 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12
The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award: This award recognizes a full-time teacher in prekindergarten through Grade 12 who instills in students a desire to learn and achieve. Each nominee must have a minimum of five years teaching experience, three of which must be in MCPS. This teacher also must understand the individual needs of students, encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem. He or she will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter and possess the ability to share it effectively with students. The nominee fosters cooperative relationships with his/her colleagues and the community and demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. Submit applications via email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22
The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award: This award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. Principals must have at least five years of experience, including at least three in MCPS. They may not nominate themselves, but nominations may be submitted by teachers, students, former students, parents/guardians, administrators or the general public. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22
The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award: This award honors extraordinary elementary school teachers who have a deep dedication to the teaching profession. These elementary school teachers, prekindergarten through Grade 5, must work directly with students in the classroom on a daily basis, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter, and effectively communicate that subject matter to students. The nominee should be a teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22
The Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award: Established in 1991, this award honors MCPS principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. These qualities were exemplified by Mark Mann, a former principal of Parkland Junior High School, who died in 1988. Submit applications by email to Sandra J. Karis in the Office of Human Resources and Development. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 22