LEONARDTOWN, Md. - St. Mary's County Public Schools has announced the selection of Mr. Danny Reed, a special education teacher at Chopticon High School, as its 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year.
"Mr. Reed is a phenomenal teacher," said Michael Martirano, superintendent of schools. "His energy and passion is contagious, and his students benefit from his dedication and his exemplary teaching skills."
A native of Oklahoma and a 22-year veteran and major of the Army National Guard, Mr. Reed has taught for 16 years. He has served as a special education teacher at Chopticon High School since joining the school system in 2001. In addition, Mr. Reed helped pilot the first SMCPS co-taught mathematics class, and continues to co-teach Geometry and Algebra. He also participated in the Governor's Academy for both Geometry and Algebra/Data Analysis, and this summer, plans to co-teach at the Governor's Academy for Algebra.
"Mr. Reed is one of the most dedicated educators I've met in my twenty-eight years of service to St. Mary's County Public Schools," wrote Mr. Joseph North, principal of Chopticon High School, in his letter of recommendation. "His commitment to his country, school, and community is something he lives every day. There are special people in this world who quietly, and with little fanfare, truly make a positive difference in this world. Danny Reed is one of those special people. He is a master educator, an exceptional person, and well-deserving of this award."
Mr. Reed will represent St. Mary's County Public Schools as a candidate for Maryland Teacher of the Year. This award will be announced at a banquet held in Baltimore on October 5, 2007. All county Teacher of the Year representatives will be honored at the State Board of Education meeting and luncheon held May 31, 2007, at the Maryland State Department of Education in Baltimore.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be presented with several prizes, will speak at numerous conferences and events, and will act as an advisor to the Maryland State Department of Education. The Maryland Teacher of the Year is also a candidate for National Teacher of the Year.