Seven Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teachers were recently named 2018 Outstanding Teacher Honorees by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, known as SMECO. The annual awards program honors teachers for outstanding teaching accomplishments in the areas of science, mathematics, technology and engineering.
Honored as Outstanding Mathematics Teachers of the Year are Jennifer Davis of Malcolm Elementary School, Christina Laverty of Henry E. Lackey High School and Megan Parsons of Theodore G. Davis Middle School.
Honored as Outstanding Science Teachers of the Year are Michael Forrest of Matthew Henson Middle School, Michael Johnson of William A. Diggs Elementary School and Monica Morgan of Benjamin Stoddert Middle School.
Honored as Outstanding STEM Teacher of the Year is Daniel Meltsner of John Hanson Middle School.
Davis has been teaching with CCPS for the past 13 years. She sets high expectations for her students, who are eager to learn and give their all in the classroom. Davis displays excellent instructional strategies and her students are consistently meeting benchmarks in both reading and math. Davis has taught second grade at Malcolm since 2016 and took the lead role this year with the implementation of math curriculum among her team. She maintains a positive demeanor and her students are eager to show what they know.
Laverty has been teaching with CCPS for the past six years. She is known among her colleagues as a role model teacher because she goes out of her way to ensure her students are successful. Laverty sets high expectations for her students and supports them through each lesson, concept and problem. Her passion for teaching is evident in her interactions with students, as she aspires to build and maintain positive relationships. Laverty maintains a positive classroom environment in which students are encouraged to ask questions, and share learning and problem-solving strategies.
Parsons has been teaching with CCPS since 2011 and currently works with eighth-grade students. She has an excellent rapport with students and parents and is well known for her kind demeanor. She works with each student to overcome classroom challenges and strives to learn how to reach all learners. Parsons is known by her colleagues as an example of a teacher that brings her best each day. She is well versed in her content, innovative in her instructional approach and highly respected as a team player and collaborator.
Forrest has been teaching for the past 19 years and currently teaches sixth-grade science. His passion for incorporating science and technology in the classroom is evident in all that he does for his students. His lessons are hands-on, exciting and engaging and his students enjoy the positive and fun atmosphere in his classroom. Forrest puts time and effort in to his classes and with every student to ensure they find success. He also sponsors STEM activities during the schoolwide Husky Time to help students build a strong foundation in science and math.
Johnson has been teaching with CCPS since 2006. In 2011, he took on an elementary science teaching position at Diggs. He currently works with students in third through fifth grades and is part of the CCPS elementary science curriculum writing team. Johnson makes learning about science fun, whether he is doing an experiment, asking students to build models or using Bee Bots in class. Students enjoy learning about science and are engaged in Johnson’s classroom. He is well known among his colleagues as a teacher who makes a positive impact on students.
Morgan has been teaching for CCPS since 2014 and is passionate about teaching. She currently teaches sixth and seventh grade science classes and challenges her students to strive for success. She demonstrates consistent expectations and accountability for students, who in turn are engaged and active in the classroom. Her colleagues know her as a role model and professional teacher. Morgan mentors new teachers and serves as the science department chair. She is also a member of the Stoddert Action Leadership and Peer Coaching teams.
Meltsner has been teaching with CCPS for the past 16 years. At Hanson, he teaches Gateway to Technology, including courses in design and modeling, robotics, and flight and space. His classes are engaging, rigorous and fun and students enjoy the hands-on activities Meltsner provides. His teaching style allows students to learn through discovery and apply science and math concepts to real world problems. He is a go-to resource for technology assistance and coaches the Hanson Vex Robotics team. Meltsner also trains elementary school Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) coaches and has taught the Project Lead the Way racing class at the state level.
The teachers were nominated for the awards by staff, students and parents. Each was chosen for their outstanding performance in the areas of creativity, rapport with students, enthusiasm for teaching, professionalism, and for using innovative teaching methods in the classroom. They were recognized by SMECO in an April 19 ceremony.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 26,900 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 36 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.