May 6, 2019
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Bowie High School choral director Angelica Brooks is the 2019 Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year. Selected from a pool of 23 other outstanding nominees, the announcement was made Saturday at the school system’s annual Teacher of the Year Gala.
Brooks has taught music in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) for 11 years, serving Bowie High School students for the past two years. She started her career as a general music teacher at Morningside Elementary School and has also taught students at Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy.
“Our new Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year epitomizes excellence in teaching and instills a passion for music in her students,” said Dr. Monica E. Goldson, Interim Chief Executive Officer. “The arts provide opportunities for students to tap into their creativity and play a key role in building skills that translate into future success in college and careers.”
As Teacher of the Year, Brooks will compete statewide for Maryland Teacher of the Year, coordinated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). She will receive a pre-paid three-year lease on a new 2019 vehicle from Pohanka Honda, the gala’s major sponsor. Co-sponsor NAI Michael will also contribute to the car lease costs.
Brooks was nominated by her peers for her engaging instruction, passion for teaching and dedication to developing young vocalists. She also performs several leadership roles, including honors chorus director, vocal/general music curriculum writer and professional development presenter for the school system.
“Mrs. Brooks takes pride in creating learning experiences that have a dynamic impact on her students,” said Bowie principal Robynne Prince. “Her choral program is among the top in the district as well as the state and she has built a reputation for being one of the best in her field.”
Brooks has earned her Advanced Professional Certificate and is a candidate for National Board Certification. She was previously nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2012. In addition, she is a 2013 Grammy Music Educator of the Year quarterfinalist. Brooks received a 2014 Board of Education Award for Superior State Chorus Ratings and Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) Superior Ratings in Choral Excellence from 2013 to 2018.
Geraldine Joan Rosos, ESOL teacher from Cooper Lane Elementary School, was named first runner-up for Teacher of the Year. Kelly Burgess, AVID teacher at Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School; Katrina Davis, Judith P. Hoyer Montessori School general education teacher; and Christine Gilliard-Arthur, Physical Education/Health Teacher & Athletic Director at International High School at Langley Park, were finalists. Other nominees included:
In addition to Pohanka Honda and NAI Michael, this year’s sponsors were Clear Channel Outdoor, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, CareFirst, Eastern Food Services, McGraw-Hill, Sodexo Magic, University of Maryland University College, BW Communications, Inc., County Council Chair Todd M. Turner, Excellence in Education Foundation, Six Flags, Gold’s Gym (Ritchie Station), Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, MGM National Harbor and Starbucks.
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