Board honors exemplary employees

The Board of Education honored 13 exemplary Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) employees at its monthly meeting Oct. 13. Honored were:

• Carol Eaton, first-grade teacher, Gale-Bailey Elementary School;
• Christi Hoffmaster, fifth-grade teacher, Mary H. Matula Elementary School;
• Theresa Tipsword, special education teacher, Maurice J. McDonough High School; and
• Special education department at Milton M. Somers Middle School.

Eaton was nominated for recognition by Gale-Bailey Principal Carrie Richardson for her exemplary work ethic and her dedication to teaching. She started her career at Gale-Bailey in 2003 after taking a 16-year break from teaching to concentrate on her own children. Previously, Eaton taught at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School and in Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties. At the beginning of each school year, she targets an area of teaching she wants to develop and creates a plan to accomplish her goals. In addition to expanding her classroom skills, Eaton also participates in professional growth opportunities including the school system's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, Smart Board training, LETRS workshops and the Junior Great Books program. "Carol describes herself as a person who once she knows what the job requires, will take the necessary steps to ensure that she is well prepared and ready for the task. That dedication and commitment is evident in her daily actions," Richardson wrote in a nomination letter.

Hoffmaster was nominated for recognition by Matula Principal Timothy Rosin for her work and exemplary work ethic, and for her contributions to the school community. Hoffmaster was named fifth-grade team leader at Matula last school year and assumed additional responsibilities. In addition to daily responsibilities in the classroom, she was tasked with coordinating school field trips, helping organize fifth grade promotion ceremonies, holding team meetings and overseeing all fifth-grade student events. Hoffmaster also coordinates staff activities, manages the school yearbook and heads the school's Polar Plunge team. Rosin said the school is fortunate to have Hoffmaster on staff. "She continues to be a tremendous asset to all members of the Matula community, as well as to the school system. She maintains a positive, professional "can-do" attitude in her interactions with students, colleagues and parents," Rosin wrote in a nomination letter.

Tipsword was nominated for recognition by McDonough Principal Jervie Petty for using successful strategies in the classroom with special education students and for going above and beyond to improve the learning environment for children. Tipsword primarily teaches mathematics in the special education program at McDonough and holds high expectations for her students. She is the special education department chair and contributes to the school improvement team. Tipsword also takes advantage of staff development programs offered in the county, including PowerPoint and Smart Board workshops, and has received outstanding evaluations for the past 20 years. She was nominated for the Distinguished Service Award sponsored by the Greater Waldorf Jaycees, and teaches mathematics at the College of Southern Maryland. Petty said that Tipsword leads by example and is committed to helping students succeed. "She is an excellent department chair and leads by example. When you walk into her classroom, you immediately notice the students are on task and attentive. Although she makes it clear that she has a no nonsense approach to teaching, the students know that she cares about their learning," Petty said in a nomination letter.

The special education department from Somers was nominated for recognition by Principal Stephanie Wesolowski. The team includes special education teachers Beth Shook, Cathy Catalfano, Denitra Owens, Heidi McKenney, James Wooster, Samantha Shelton, Mike Ziebell, Brenda Bates, Ron Johns and Steve Willett. Wesolowski nominated the team for their combined efforts in helping students achieve and increasing performance levels in reading and mathematics. The team brings a high level of competence and integrity to the classroom and stresses the importance of meeting student needs through comprehensive planning and modeling co-teaching strategies. In their role as special educators, these teachers are responsible and accountable for performance levels of both faculty and IEP students and they accept responsibility in a professional manner. Wesolowski said the team is phenomenal and highly respected for their expertise, professionalism and cohesiveness. "As a team, they exhibit the personal and professional traits that any exemplary teacher worthy of the name should have. They truly care about the well being of their students and the importance of meeting their needs," Wesolowski said in a nomination letter.

The Board honors several employees each month for outstanding contributions to the school system and children of Charles County.