Greenbelt’s Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) held their 27th ACE Educator Awards on Monday, March 14. Melinda Brady, the chair of ACE, welcomed the audience and city council back to the in-person event, saying, “We would like to thank Mayor Jordan and the city council for their continued sponsorship of the Awards. ACE, formed in 1994 with an updated charter in 2007, serves as a link between the community and the city council to promote high quality schools for Greenbelt.”
The Educator Awards recognize school-based adults who have made exceptional contributions to Greenbelt schools. In the past, recipients have been teachers, guidance counselors, other professionals, support or building staff. ACE selects the awardees based on nominations from each school’s administration. “The ACE Educator Awards complement the ACE Student Awards,” Brady said, “which we will present to deserving students in early May.”
This year’s awards went to the following educators:
Springhill Lake Elementary School: Wanda Dixon, fourth grade teacher. According to the school’s administration, Dixon is a veteran teacher who comes to work each day with a smile and a positive attitude, even though she has so many things on her plate. Her projects include studying for her doctorate, leading school theatrical productions and mentoring new teachers.
“Her rapport with her students is calm, caring and consistent. She creates a classroom environment of safety and warmth,” the school administration wrote. “We are so proud to call Mrs. Dixon a Springhill Lake Eagle and hope she continues to guide us for the next 30 years.”
Magnolia Elementary School: Laura Browning, fifth grade teacher. Browning is an educator known for her strong presence, Magnolia administration wrote. She started work as a paraprofessional and studied to become a fully certified elementary school teacher. She has produced students who have won recognition in essay writing, mathematical computation and science fair competitions. Browning headed several committees at Magnolia. She has been the chair of the Staff Recognition Committee and the School-Based Management Team. Browning is also an advocate for the preservation of the environment in her role as the sponsor of the Environmental Club at Magnolia.
“Ms. Browning’s generosity of her time, talent and treasure is profoundly ingrained in her ways,” the school administration wrote. “At the height of the pandemic, she drove to her students’ communities and distributed treats to let them know how much she missed and valued them. There is no doubt that Ms. Browning embodies strength and character through her grit and resilience. It is for these reasons, Laura Browning has been selected as an ACE outstanding educator for 2022.”
Greenbelt Elementary School: Tamia Perry, fourth grade teacher. School administration wrote, “From her first year of teaching, it was clear that Ms. Perry was going to be a ROCKSTAR!” Perry commands a classroom with a gentle demeanor and has a down-to-earth personality, as well as strong pedagogy and superb ability to connect with students and staff. She sets and expects high levels of effort and determination from her students, and the students respond well. In addition, she is the fourth-grade chairperson where she mentors her teammates in their second year of teaching. Perry is also currently serving as a mentor teacher to a senior education major student at the University of Maryland, College Park and she is the sponsor for the Student Government Association, where she teaches students to become leaders in their community.
“Through superb planning and skilled execution, Ms. Perry creates an environment where learning happens for all,” the administration wrote. “She certainly deserves to receive the 2022 ACE Educator Award.”
Dora Kennedy French Immersion: Rose Nkouaze, second grade teacher. The school administration wrote, “Madame Rose Nkouaze is an awesome educator of 27 years.” She started her career in French immersion teaching when Dora Kennedy was known as Rogers Heights Elementary School. Nkouaze is passionate about teaching and is truly committed to the full immersion experience. She holds the school community accountable in the practice of speaking only in the targeted language of French (Principal Spence can attest to this).
She serves as a teacher leader in the building and spends much of her time collaborating and assisting her colleagues. School administrators wrote, “Although small in stature, her impact on the Dora Kennedy French Immersion community is grand!”
Greenbelt Middle School: James Smith, building supervisor. “Mr. Smith has been a constant support to the entire school community in making sure everyone has the needs to be successful,” wrote school administration. Smith provided the protocols to maintain a clean environment for the building.
“During the entire pandemic and inclement weather days, Mr. Smith has been at school to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” they wrote. In addition, with more than 20 years of service, he has developed many other leaders who have become building supervisors at other schools. “Without hesitation and ensuring the building looks immaculate every day, Mr. Smith is truly deserving of the ACE Educator Award.”
Eleanor Roosevelt High School: Sharinita Hester, special education teacher. “Ms. Hester truly embodies the Eleanor Roosevelt Way, as she walks with integrity, accepts responsibility and shows the utmost respect to students and staff,” school administration wrote. “Ms. Hester always goes above and beyond her assigned duties. As a special education teacher she assists not only her students, but also all students at Roosevelt.” Hester is the sponsor for the Education Reform Club and also joined a team of teachers and administration to assist with the formation of the Rising Raider Academy. When not teaching, the administration wrote, “You will find her checking in with students as Ms. Hester is concerned with the whole child, recognizing that social and emotional health is also vital for student success. Ms. Hester is truly deserving of the title Outstanding Educator!”