Calvert County Public Schools proudly announces that Dr. Melaney Sanchez is the 2018 Teacher of the Year, and Dean Jones is the Educational Support Person of the Year.
Dr. Sanchez is the school librarian at Mt. Harmony Elementary School. Mr. Jones is the safety advocate at Patuxent High School.
Dr. Daniel D. Curry, Superintendent, said, “I’ve had the opportunity to meet these two many times. They are indeed outstanding.”
Dr. Sanchez has a long list of professional accomplishments, but her principal, Charles Treft, said, “it isn’t those things that make her a special person. She has a big heart, and somehow always finds ways to discover each person’s hidden potential.” She is passionate about teaching children, and she can always be heard encouraging someone to have a wonderful day. She continuously looks to build trust with colleagues, students, and families by forming relationships, and she is unrelenting in searching for creative ways to inspire children to love learning.
According to his principal, Sabrina Bergen, Mr. Jones “is a team player, makes every day better, and exemplifies everything that is great at Patuxent.” He joined the Patuxent High staff after retiring from a 26-year career in the Prince George’s County Police Department. He brings his expertise and good judgment to his role as a safety advocate and is always compassionate and patient with staff and students alike, without compromising his integrity or the enforcement of school rules.
Bayside Auto Group has traditionally donated a two-year lease on a new vehicle to the Teacher of the Year. In a surprise announcement, this year the company is also donating a two-year lease on a new vehicle to the Educational Support Person of the Year.
Dr. Sanchez will move on to the state-level Teacher of the Year competition. The 2018 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced in the fall.
The winners were announced at a gala event held at the Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa. The Teacher of the Year and Educational Support Person of the Year celebration is generously sponsored by the following businesses and organizations:
Diamond
Bayside Toyota
Benefactor
Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa
Community Bank of the Chesapeake
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union
Gold
The Optimist Club of Calvert Prince Frederick and Solomons
Silver
Calvert County Chamber of Commerce
Crow Entertainment, LLC
Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc.
VALIC
Bronze
Choice Floor Center, Inc.
Fowler and Fowler Law, LLC
Merry Maids
Quality Built Homes, Inc.