Pasadena, Crofton Educators Receive State Awards

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Two Anne Arundel County Public School educators have received statewide recognition for their efforts. Tim Stedman of Northeast High School and Christie Payne of Crofton Middle School have been named High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year and Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year, respectively, by SHAPE Maryland.

Stedman has taught in Anne Arundel County Public Schools for 13 years and currently serves as the physical education department chair and assistant athletic director at Northeast. He has taught a wide variety of physical education classes from the high school graduation requirement "fitness for life" to many electives such as "strength and conditioning" and "walking wellness."

“I am truly honored to even be nominated for this award,” Stedman said in a statement. “I have always known what I wanted to be because of the teachers that I had, and I want to be that kind of influence for my students. We, as teachers, have an incredible power to make a difference every day by building strong relationships leading to a deeper understanding of their needs, both individual and community, and demonstrating this support through specific actions. It is my hope that I can influence my students the same way my teachers influenced me.”

Stedman is an active member of the Northeast High community, generously giving of his time and talents to support schoolwide initiatives and ensure students have the best opportunity to be engaged. He is a lifelong learner who takes new strategies and practices back to his students to empower them to be lifelong learners who have an appreciation for healthy living and an active lifestyle.

“Tim Stedman is one of the best educators I have ever worked with,” Northeast Principal Jason Williams said in a statement. “He is a teacher leader, an innovator in instructional practice, and is truly dedicated to the students of Northeast High School. We are lucky to have him.”

Payne has taught in Anne Arundel County Public Schools for seven years, spending six at Marley Middle School before moving to Crofton Middle this year.

“I am so honored to be receiving such a prestigious award.” Payne said in a statement. “I am thankful and have such appreciation to be working with some of the most professional, dedicated and committed colleagues within AACPS. Building relationships with my students has been the foundation of my teaching philosophy throughout my career. That foundation creates a positive classroom environment so I can then promote healthy habits. Educating all my learners to grow physically, mentally and socially, and giving them tools for success so they can continue a healthy lifestyle is my priority.”

Payne has been an integral part of creating welcoming and engaging classroom environments in her health and physical education classes so that all students can learn. She is known as a trendsetter in in her instructional delivery and teaching methodologies and plays an active role in her school through her involvement in various committees and leadership roles.

“Mrs. Payne is an incredibly talented teacher who is very deserving of this recognition,” Marley Middle Principal Kimberly Winterbottom said in a statement. “First and foremost, she has an unmatched positive, calm and encouraging demeanor that middle school students love. Next, she is always looking for ways to grow personally, she is always looking for ways to grow her department, herself and our school. Finally, her solution-oriented growth mindset that she displays day in and day out no matter the circumstance is evident at all times."

In addition to Stedman and Payne, SHAPE Maryland also honored two AACPS physical education teachers with awards reflecting their outstanding contributions to the teaching profession. Heather Arnold at Old Mill High School and Jeff Postell at Brooklyn Park Middle School received Simon McNeely awards from the organization.