Elementary teacher honored by students for excellence

Stacy Burkheiser, a fifth-grade literacy teacher at Malcolm Elementary School, was named the 2008 Sam's Club Teacher of the Year on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the school. She was chosen by students for the award, who wrote and submitted letters of recommendation to the Waldorf store last school year.

As the 2008 Sam's Club Teacher of the Year, Burkheiser received a $100 gift card to use for school supplies and a certificate of appreciation. Sam's Club staff also presented Malcolm with a $1,000 grant. Burkheiser said she and Malcolm Principal Wilhelmina Pugh have yet to decide how to spend the grant funds.

Burkheiser began her career with Charles County Public Schools in 2003 at Malcolm and has taught second, fourth and fifth grades. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and education from Lycoming College and is working toward a master's degree in curriculum and instruction with leadership from McDaniel College.

Each year, Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Club locations award a local teacher with the Teacher of the Year award, a gift card for classroom supplies and a grant for their school.