John Archer Teacher Named Finalist For Maryland Teacher Of The Year

BEL AIR, MD - From Harford County Public Schools: Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, today announced the names of seven finalists for 2017-2018 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Amy Mangold, early intervention teacher at John Archer School and 14-year veteran of Harford County Public Schools, is among the elite group of teachers in the running for the state title.

“Amy Mangold is a fine example of a passionate, dedicated instructor,” said Superintendent of Schools Barbara P. Canavan. “We are extremely proud of what she has done for her students, parents and school community. She is an amazing teacher who embraces the uniqueness of each student and plans an instructional program to ensure every student reaches their full potential.”

Ms. Mangold has spent the majority of her career teaching preschool students with severe intellectual
and physical disabilities. She graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland with a Master’s in Teaching
(2003) and The Johns Hopkins University with certification in early childhood special education
(2010). Ms. Mangold serves on the Instructional Leadership and School Improvement teams,
presents county professional development, and mentors students from local universities. Outside her
classroom, she volunteers with Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, St. Baldrick’s Foundation and
promotes independent living skills for adults with special needs as a Community Support Living
Arrangement Worker.

The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from a number of key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, teacher unions, parents and higher education. All finalists were chosen based on a rigorous set of state and national criteria that include teaching philosophy and results, community involvement, knowledge of general education issues, and suggestions for professional and instructional improvement. The finalists were selected from a group of 24 local teachers of the year, representing the 24 Maryland school systems.

The 2017-2018 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner
at Martin’s West in Baltimore on October 27. The winner will receive cash awards, technology equipment, national travel opportunities, and a new car valued at more than $25,000, donated by the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association.

The selected Maryland Teacher of the Year will go on to compete for the esteemed National Teacher
of the Year Award, to be announced next April. Maryland’s Teacher of the Year will also spend the
coming year as an educational speaker and advisor in Maryland and will be honored by the President
at the White House next spring. The Maryland Teacher of the Year will also participate in several
national meetings and conferences.

Image via Harford County Public Schools