June 1, 2021
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – DuVal High School tenth-grade Reading, English Language Arts (RELA) teacher Adrin Leak has been named 2021 Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year. Selected from a pool of more than 60 teachers, the announcement was made with a surprise visit to Leak’s school.
Leak has spent all of her 12-year teaching career in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), serving DuVal High School students since 2011. Before joining the instructional team at DuVal, she was a RELA teacher at G. James Gholson Middle School.
“This past year has been exceptionally challenging for teachers. They had to adjust quickly to virtual learning, then shift again to hybrid learning,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer. “Through her exceptional work and dedication, Ms. Leak has demonstrated that it is possible to continue to provide students with outstanding instruction in a virtual environment.”
Leak will go on to compete statewide for Maryland Teacher of the Year, coordinated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
She was selected for this honor for her talent in the classroom, commitment to ensuring all students succeed and supporting fellow teachers through ongoing professional development opportunities. Leak is committed to closing the educational opportunity gap for all students.
Outside of the classroom, she serves Academic Coach, Professional Development Lead Teacher, Engagement and Technology Liaison, Coordinator for the Aerospace Summer Bridge program and curriculum vetter for MSDE.
“Ms. Leak’s innovative techniques are driven by persistence and her genuine commitment to providing extraordinary opportunities and resources for both students and staff,” said DuVal principal Pamela Smith. “She embodies the characteristics, professionalism and fortitude of a master teacher and is most deserving to be recognized as Teacher of the Year.”
Bridget McCoy, second-grade Talented and Gifted (TAG) teacher at Capitol Heights Elementary School, is runner-up for this year’s Teacher of the Year award and Mable Smith, eighth-grade Reading, English Language Arts teacher at Samuel Ogle Middle School, is second-place winner.
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