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News Release: Tulip Grove Elementary Educator Named Teacher of the Year

May 15, 2018
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Daleisha Myers, a fifth-grade teacher at Tulip Grove Elementary School, is the 2018 Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made Monday at the school system’s annual Teacher of the Year Gala.

Myers has spent more than 13 years serving students at Tulip Grove in Bowie.

“Mrs. Myers epitomizes the level of excellence we look for in our Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer. “Her dedication and outstanding instruction prepare students for future academic challenges.”

As Teacher of the Year, Myers will compete statewide for Maryland Teacher of the Year, coordinated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). She received a pre-paid, three-year lease on a new 2018 Honda Accord LX from Pohanka Honda, the gala’s major sponsor.

Myers was nominated by her peers for her engaging instruction, passion for teaching and dedication to developing the next generation of teachers. She has taken on many leadership roles, including Professional Development Lead Teacher, serving on the school management team and administrative intern.

“I truly believe Mrs. Myers is an ideal Teacher of the Year,” said Jaime Coffen, principal of Tulip Grove. “Her involvement in education provides a solid platform and the insight needed to speak eloquently about the state of public school education.”

Her service outside the classroom focuses on mentoring and developing aspiring teachers. She is an adjunct professor at Bowie State University, where she has been described as by her colleagues as “a committed and dedicated academician who believes in championing student success.”

In addition, Myers is a school volunteer, giving her time at the Tulip Grove health fair, fundraisers, Reading Night and PTA Fall Festival.

A recipient of the City of Bowie Excellence in Teaching Award, Myers was also honored with the Bowie State University Teacher Leader Award and recognized by the university for her work as a Professional Development School Coordinator.

Four other educators were finalists for this year’s Teacher of the Year award: Charina Pacheco, J. Frank Dent Elementary; Luis Javier Pentón, Laurel High School; Jason Venezia-Walerstein, Buck Lodge Middle School; and Arnice Williams, Largo High School. Other nominees included:

  • Doris Cline, Chesapeake Math & IT High School
  • Andre Collins, Patuxent Elementary
  • Joshua Davis, International High School@Largo
  • Samuel Gachelin, Edward M. Felegy Elementary
  • Stephen Isler, Robert R. Gray Elementary
  • Danica Justsen, Chesapeake Math & IT Middle School
  • Kelly Lewis, Calverton Elementary
  • Joisiebeth Manapul, Cooper Lane Elementary
  • Benora McCain, Chesapeake Math & IT Elementary - North
  • Bridget McCoy, Capitol Heights Elementary
  • Marites Melad, Benjamin Tasker Middle School
  • Megan Milko, Deerfield Run Elementary
  • Janet Oosterhous, Hollywood Elementary
  • Jennifer Palo, Thomas S. Stone Elementary
  • Lynn Charisse Parsons, Accokeek Academy
  • Julieta Perez, Oxon Hill Elementary
  • Trifon Perges, Kenilworth Elementary
  • Monica Smack, Gwynn Park Middle School
  • Aaron Smith, Benjamin D. Foulois Creative & Performing Arts Academy
  • Julie Suarez, Nicholas Orem Middle School
  • Patricia Taylor, High Bridge Elementary

In addition to Pohanka Honda, this year’s sponsors were NTA Life Management, Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Excellence in Education Foundation, Chick-fil-A (Capital Centre, Steeplechase), Cole Stevens Salon, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Giant Food (Largo), MGM National Harbor, Olive Garden (Capitol Heights) and Whole Foods (Riverdale Park).

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