HCPSS Names Principal, Teachers Of The Year

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The 2020 winners of Principal of the Year and Teachers of the Year have been named by the Howard County Public School System. Nancy Thompson of Talbott Springs Elementary School was named the 2020 Howard County Principal of the Year and a Washington Post Principal of the Year nominee. Jerome Pickens of Bryant Woods Elementary School was named Howard County’s 2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year candidate and Suzan Young of Homewood Center was selected as a 2020 Washington Post Teacher of the Year nominee.

Thompson has been the principal at Talbott Springs for 13 years. According to the school district, her selection "recognizes her ability to demonstrate highly effective leadership that fosters cooperation and dialogue between the school and community, maintains an exemplary commitment to instructional practices, and displays continuous caring for student and staff well-being."

Pickens has been teaching at Bryant Woods since 2016 and currently serves as the fourth grade instructional team leader. According to the school district, he is known for "building relationships throughout the community, empowering and motivating his students, and serving as an inspirational school leader."

Young, a Homewood Center teacher for 18 years, teaches English and environmental science. According to the school district, her selection "recognizes her exceptional 'outside the box' instruction and her commitment to community and family outreach."