5 Montgomery County Educators Win Excellence In Teaching Awards

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Educators from one elementary school, two middle schools, and two high schools in Montgomery County were named recipients of the 2019 Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Awards.

The Marian Greenblatt Fund, named after a former Board of Education member, recognizes teachers who inspire students to succeed. This year's awards were given to three Master Teachers and two Rising Star Teachers.

The Master Teacher honors, which are given teachers who have five years of teaching experience in the county, were awarded to:

• Teak Bassett — Social Studies teacher at Clarksburg High School
  • Per the fund's press release, one of Bassett's student said: "Mr. Bassett is a thoughtful and dedicated teacher, teaching not only concepts and theories, but inspiring students to think critically and develop their own beliefs relating to topics discussed in class.

• Madeline Hanington — English content specialist and teacher at Hallie Wells Middle School
  • The middle school's principal, Barbara Woodward, said: "Her lived experience: immigrant parents, poverty, academic success, coupled with her natural traits of caring and dedication, make Ms. Maddy Hanington an exceptional teacher who makes THAT difference in children's lives."

• Maura Backenstoe — Kindergarten teacher at Burning Tree Elementary School
  • A parent of an elementary school student said: "I call her the 'miracle-working magical unicorn teacher’'because she inspires joy and excellence in every student, of every background and need, regardless of whether they are in her class."

The Master Teachers each get $2,000, according to the fund's website. One of them will become the Montgomery County Teacher of the Year and will be entered in the Maryland Teacher of the Year competition.

The Rising Star Teacher honors, which are given to educators with less than five years of teaching experience and the ability to become a Master Teacher, were awarded to:

• Brendan Kelly — Instrumental music teacher at Albert Einstein High School
  • The high school's principal, James Fernandez , said: "It is apparent in his conversations with students that he treats them as young adults and holds them to very high standards. In return, the students rise to his expectations and give their best."
• Virginia Pantella — STEM teacher and STEM program head at Gaithersburg Middle School
  
  • Her colleague said: "Ms. Pantella is consistently reflecting on the success of her students and pushing them towards excellence. She sets high expectations for her students and herself as she continues to develop engaging curriculum."

Each Rising Star Teacher receives a $1,000 award, according to the fund's website.

All five educators will be honored in April at the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education's "Champions for Children Awards Celebration," where one will be named Montgomery County Teacher of the Year.