| The Teachers of Promise Program and Institute began as an outgrowth of the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program and capitalized on the expertise of Teachers of the Year and other award-winning teachers by matching them with the most promising pre-service graduating seniors from Maryland colleges and universities. Mentor and protégé work together online during the spring and summer transition period until the new teachers are placed in their schools.
The program culminates in a one-day institute, underwritten by the Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA) and Corporate Sponsors of the Teacher of the Year Program so it is free to participating students and mentor teachers. This year, 125 students from 21 Maryland colleges and universities participated. The agenda was varied but very well received by who those attended.
The agenda for the day included:
- Featured speaker U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes. Congressman Sarbanes updated the audience on National Education Policies and Perspectives.
- A discussion with Maryland Executives moderated by Dr. Nancy Grasmick. Executives and decision-makers in business, policy leaders, and higher education discussed the ways they define excellence and its meaning within their businesses.
- A discussion with Blue Ribbon School Principals. These award-winning principals discussed their ideas about excellence in their schools and shared strategies that led to outstanding teacher and student performance.
- Q & A with Dr. Grasmick. Students were encouraged to ask questions and voice their concerns.
- 2009 Maryland Teacher of the Year William Thomas spoke about his year as the top teacher representative in Maryland.
- Guided table discussions between students and their mentors.
Many college and university directors were there as well including: Dr. Mary Kay Finan, Professor of Education at Frostburg State University and State Board of Education member;
Dr. John George, Dean of Education at Hood College; and Dr. Deborah Kraft, Interim Dean of Education at Stevenson University.
Participating Colleges and Universities: Bowie State University, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Columbia Union College, Coppin State University, Frostburg State University, Goucher College, Hood College, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola College in Maryland, Maryland Institute College of Art, McDaniel College, Morgan State University, Mount St. Mary’s University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Salisbury University, Stevenson University, Towson University, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, Washington College.
For more information about Maryland’s Teacher of Promise Institute, please contact:
Dr. Darla Strouse at 410-767-0369 or email her at darla.strouse@maryland.gov. |