La Plata, Md. — The Board of Education of Charles County recognized five school staff members Nov. 4, 2025, for their contributions to student learning and school operations during its regular monthly meeting at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building. The honors highlight ongoing efforts within Charles County Public Schools to acknowledge educators who demonstrate sustained commitment to professional growth and community support.
Nominations for the monthly recognition come from school principals and supervisors, who submit candidates based on their dedication to students, colleagues and the broader educational mission. This initiative, in place for several years, aims to spotlight employees across roles who foster safe, engaging environments and advance district goals like academic progress and well-rounded instruction. The selected individuals receive public acknowledgment at board meetings, providing a platform to share their impacts through principal testimonials and program overviews.
Among the honorees, Michael Blaine, a world language teacher at La Plata High School, marks 31 years of service at the institution. His tenure spans teaching multiple languages while maintaining high classroom engagement through energetic lessons and student-centered activities. Principal Douglass Dolan noted Blaine’s lasting influence, stating, “During this time, his commitment to the profession and his students has been unwavering and his ability to impact his students beyond the years they are with him is evident.” Former students recall his passion for subjects like Latin, his sharp attire among peers and his integration of digital tools for interactive learning. Beyond academics, Blaine has coached the school’s cross country team for eight years, elevating it to regional contention while emphasizing leadership and scholarly performance among runners.
At Berry Elementary School in Waldorf, third-grade teacher Liane Chan has served for six years after prior experience in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Chan leads teams for third and kindergarten grades, coordinates the Synergy parent portal and tutors students while participating in the school’s social committee. Her approach emphasizes continuous professional development, with Principal LeighAnn McLaud describing her as “an active participant who embraces and applies her new learning to her own classroom.” McLaud added, “Her leadership is rooted in empathy and service. She meets students where they are, adapting instruction with patience and creativity.” Chan’s openness to feedback and collaborative questioning supports schoolwide growth, modeling adaptability for peers in a district focused on differentiated teaching strategies.
Jacob Gerding, media specialist at Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School since 2019, promotes literacy and resources through partnerships with the Charles County Public Library. He organizes preschool story times, mobile library visits and alignments between library lessons and classroom curricula. Principal Jennifer Posey highlighted his collaborative efforts, saying, “He seeks out opportunities to engage with classroom teachers to align library instruction with what students are learning in their classrooms. This creates opportunities to expand students’ learning.” Gerding, who earned an education specialist degree from the University of West Georgia and pursues a Ph.D. in instructional leadership at Notre Dame of Maryland University, holds leadership roles including president-elect of the Maryland Association of School Librarians and co-chair of the Maryland State Education Association’s librarian caucus. A 2023 finalist for Maryland School Librarian of the Year, he also coaches the school’s VEX Robotics team to annual state titles and four world championships. Recently, he launched a third-grade book club centered on Black-Eyed Susan Award finalists to build reading communities.
Sydney Smith teaches fifth grade at Eva L. Turner Elementary School, where she has developed since entering education via substitute roles after a business career. From a family of educators but initially pursuing government work, Smith found fulfillment in teaching following her mother’s suggestion. Principal Courtney Gandee recalled, “She loved it. She was offered a position at Eva Turner where she has grown into a fantastic teacher and leader.” Smith contributes to district social studies curriculum development, leads the fifth-grade team, chairs Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports initiatives and advises the school’s Fashion Club. As a University of Maryland Eastern Shore alumna, she founded the Models Collective to empower women through modeling and photography skills, continuing involvement alongside her teaching duties. Her work in reading programs, such as the Reading & Robes initiative, further integrates community events at the school.
Lauren Warring, a science teacher at Piccowaxen Middle School in Newburg, guides the Environmental Club and oversees hands-on projects in the revitalized outdoor classroom. Principal Wualanda Thenstead praised her initiative, stating, “Ms. Warring has worked to revitalize the outdoor classroom, fostering student engagement in hands-on ecological projects.” Warring manages the school’s Green School application, collaborates with the Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center for programs and mobilized seventh graders to eradicate invasive species from nearby wetlands. Thenstead noted her reliability, adding, “Ms. Warring is always working diligently behind the scenes. She is always willing to jump in and help however she can.” Warring’s classroom instruction reflects her science enthusiasm, delivered with ethical professionalism. Extracurricularly, she coaches the school’s archery team and external lacrosse and field hockey squads, extending her mentorship to youth athletics in rural Southern Maryland settings.
These recognitions occur amid positive developments in Charles County Public Schools, which serves 28,162 students across 39 schools from prekindergarten through grade 12. Recent 2025 state report card data from the Maryland State Department of Education shows districtwide gains, with eight schools earning four stars, 26 at three stars and four at two stars — none at one star. Six schools improved by one star from the prior year, alongside advances in academic achievement, progress metrics and school quality indicators like attendance and curriculum access at middle and high school levels. Superintendent Maria V. Navarro attributed such progress to targeted instruction, social-emotional support and the district’s strategic plan through 2029, which prioritizes achievement, safety, retention and engagement.
