BCPS Teacher Of The Year: 'Treasure For The Community'

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A special educator at Parkville Middle School has been named the Baltimore County Public Schools Teacher of the Year for 2020.

Robert Runk, who teaches social studies and science, also leads the school's mentorship program. He started a program called the lunch bunch for boys who needed support, and it grew to include boys and girls across sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

"Having a strong person that builds relationships and cares can make all the difference in the world to these students," Runk said on his Teacher of the Year application, according to Baltimore County Public Schools. Making that difference is "the most fulfilling part of being an educator," he said.

Runk is the first from Parkville Middle School to win the teacher of the year honor since the program started in 1998. He has worked with the Parkville Middle community for 17 years, according to school system officials.

"Mr. Runk has made a significant difference in the lives of so many students at Parkville Middle," Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Darryl Williams said in a statement. "It is clear he is respected by his peers, and his teaching and mentorship serve as a treasure for the community."

In addition to working within the school, Runk serves as Parkville Middle School's liaison with the Maryland Food Bank and coaches martial arts for Parkville Parks and Recreation.

"Rob Runk is an amazing teacher who is beyond dedicated to all students and the community!" a colleague wrote in response to the announcement in April from Baltimore County Public Schools that he was nominated for the award. Another colleague described him as a "role model" with "spunk, wisdom and mind-changing influence on students."

One of his former students posted: "This man helped me get my head on straight before high school ... I always wanted to thank him but never got the chance. I couldn't be happier than to see this going to him."

Each school, program and center can nominate one teacher, then a committee of administrators, teachers, students and staff selects the winner.

Runk has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in education from Walden University.

He is a product of Baltimore County Public Schools, as a graduate of Sparrows Point High School, who currently lives in Lutherville.

Now that he has been selected as the Baltimore County Public Schools Teacher of the Year for 2020, he is up for Maryland Teacher of the Year.