Tigers Recognized For Excellence In Education At Towson University

Press release from Towson University:

July 23, 2021

Six College of Education alumni receive awards for teaching, leadership

Six Towson University College of Education alumni have been named among the best K–12 teachers and school leaders in the region.

Three of the Maryland Teacher of the Year Award finalists are Tigers: Jing Dai ’11,
Alexis Eaton ’09 and Lauren Greer ’10. The Washington Post named Patrick Bathras ’93 and Beth Morton ’14 among its 12 Principal of the Year
finalists, and St. Mary's County recognized Laurel Dietz ’10 for excellence in educational
leadership.

The 24 teacher finalists—one for each local school system—were recognized by the Maryland
State Superintendent of Schools Karen B. Salmon in a June 3 virtual ceremony. They
will work together to support equity and excellence in education and address critical
policy issues over the next year.

“Too often our teachers are unsung heroes, but our Teacher of the Year program provides
an opportunity to celebrate their meaningful work and commitment,” said Maryland Gov.
Larry Hogan in a press release. “Our state’s dedicated educators have kept our students safe and learning during
this difficult time, and I’m especially proud of our teachers’ perseverance, ingenuity
and compassion.”

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) named Dai, a Chinese language teacher at
Meade High School, its 2021 Teacher of the Year. Dai, who holds a master of arts in teaching from TU, serves on the board of directors for the Chinese Language Teachers Association.

“This award really belongs to all the teachers in AACPS, and it belongs to all the
teachers at Meade High School,” Dai said at a recognition event. “We are there, excited and positive, every day to support our students. We face
the challenge together, and we make Meade High the best school for all of our students.”

Meade High School Principal Frederick Rivers likened Dai’s classroom to an adventure
where no two days are the same. “She creates space that allows all students to thrive
and feel supported learning entirely in Chinese,” he said in Dai's nomination.

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) named Eaton the 2021 Charles County Teacher of
the Year. Beloved for her passion for education and positive demeanor, Eaton became
an expert multitasker as she worked with students in person and online in her fourth-grade
classroom at Dr. James Craik Elementary School.

Shortly after graduating with a degree in elementary education, Eaton began her teaching career with CCPS as a fifth-grade teacher at Craik.

“I have moments every day that confirm that this is my calling. Every day my students
make me laugh, make me proud and inspire me to do my best to help them grow academically,
socially and emotionally. Every day is a new adventure with ‘my kids,’ and the love
I have for each and every one of them ensures that I will never question my calling,”
Eaton said in a CCPS statement.

St. Michael Middle High School science educator Greer was named 2021 Talbot County
Teacher of the Year for demonstrating superior commitment to her students. Since joining
Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) in 2012, Greer has taught classes at the middle
and high school level in environmental science, earth systems, anatomy and physiology,
biology and biomedical science.

“Lauren Greer is an example of a true educator. She is caring, compassionate, trustworthy,
devoted and reflective,” said St. Michaels Middle High School Principal Theresa Vener
in her nomination statement. “She genuinely cares for each one of her students and colleagues and works diligently
to foster positive relationships.”

Greer, also a graduate of the Master of Arts in Teaching program, has held many leadership
roles at St. Michael Middle High School, including serving as the equity team leader,
co-adviser for the National Technical Honor Society, chair of the positive behavior
intervention supports committee and even field hockey coach.

The county winners will compete for the title of Maryland Teacher of the Year, which
will be announced on Oct. 7. The Maryland Teacher of the Year winner will compete
with educators from across the country for the title of national teacher of the year.

COE alumni who serve in school administration leadership roles were also recognized
this spring for their work in the community and for creating exceptional educational
environments.

In St. Mary’s County, Superintendent of Schools J. Scott Smith named Laurel Dietz
’10 the 2021 St. Mary’s County Leader of Excellence winner for the essential role
she plays in the success of the school system by fostering cooperation between the
schools and the community.

Dietz, who holds a master’s degree in transformational educational leadership, has worked for St. Mary’s County Public Schools for 20 years. She began a new role
as principal of Oakville Elementary School in July.

And two Tigers were named 2021 Principal of the Year finalists by the Washington Post—Patrick Bathras ’93 and Beth Morton ’14.

Bathras, who holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, is principal of Severna
Park High School in Anne Arundel County.

“Since COVID-19 hit and we became virtual, Mr. Bathras used our circumstances as an
opportunity to increase efforts to connect with faculty and staff,” Severna Park High
School faculty member Tamara Bauer told the Severna Park Voice. “In a time when we needed him more than ever, he has been there for us in countless
ways. From frequent emails with updates, helpful advice and reassuring messages, Mr.
Bathras has made his staff feel cared for, heard, understood.”

Principal of Plum Point Elementary in Calvert County, Morton holds a master’s of education in reading education. An early advocate for technology in the classroom, Morton guided her staff and community
through the transition to virtual learning when schools closed at the start of the
COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a principal, she has the ability to establish relationships with and garner support
from teachers, students, parents and community members,” said Tony Navarro, executive
director of administration for Calvert County Public Schools, in an announcement. “She shows a great deal of personal concern for her staff members and students as
she fosters their growth and development.”

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.