Schools
Prince George's Teacher of the Year from Capitol Heights School
Albert Lewis teaches language arts at Walker Mill Middle School.
A language arts teacher at Walker Mill Middle School in Capitol Heights was named Prince George's County Public Schools 2013 "Teacher of the Year" in a ceremony Thursday night in Greenbelt.
According to the county's press release on the award, Lewis began teaching in PGCPS schools as a substitute teacher in 2006. After earning his teaching certificate through the school system's Resident Teacher Program, he began teaching language arts at Walker Mill in 2007.
“Mr. Lewis brings a wealth of intellect, experience, and expertise to the job,” said Walker Mill Principal Nicole Clifton. “His dedication and passion for the craft and his community is evident in his instruction and other areas, as well.”
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In addition to teaching, Lewis serves as team leader, administrative support and is a member of the Instructional Council. He also coordinated the Breakfast Club tutoring program in 2011, served as the assistant basketball coach from 2007 to 2010, the school's debate coach since 2008 and has even served as a motivational speaker at school assemblies since 2007.
Even outside of the classroom, Lewis continues to teach as a reading tutor, developing curriculum for a summer science and technology camp and even conducted professional development for peers.
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“All 39 nominees for Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year have inspired their school communities with their outstanding skills, dedicated service and support of students, parents and colleagues,” said Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, Interim Superintendent of Schools. “These educators set the bar for excellence, and play a key role in ensuring the future success of our students.”
Three other finalists were also named for the award during the May 2 celebration—Jennifer Boyles-Kellner from Forest Heights Elementary School; Erica Rogers Bair from Valley View Elementary School; and Patrice Porter Lawrence from Frederick Douglass High School.
“I was honored to take part in recognizing all of our outstanding nominees for this year’s award,” said Board Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq. “They are all Teachers of the Year in the eyes of their students, and all have the traits that make up a great educator: mastery of their content area, a passion for teaching and a deep caring for their students.”
Lewis will join 24 other Teacher of the Year representatives from Maryland's 24 counties for the statewide award ceremony in the fall. The winner will then move onto the national awards.
"I am honored to have been awarded the @pgcps Teacher of the Year award! I can't wait to begin service!" he tweeted Thursday.
The following teachers were also recognized as candidates for teacher of the year:
Joy Anderson, Surrattsville HS Nina Cheri Jacks, Brandywine ES Angela Andress, Imagine Foundations at Morningside Charlene Jones-Newman, Surrattsville HS Susan Bailey, High Bridge ES Ruthdasia Lanier-Williams, Croom HS Rosa Bell, Barnaby Manor ES Irene B. De Leon, John Hanson Montessori Dr. Otassa Jean Boston, Perrywood ES Genes Marquez, Judith P. Hoyer Montessori Angelica Brooks, Oxon Hill MS William McIntyre, Accokeek Academy Elizabeth C. Butler, Martin Luther King, Jr. MS Stephen Charles Newbold Jr., Thurgood Marshall MS Taiese Carson, Glenn Dale ES Nakia Newman, Hillcrest Heights ES Susan Crossed, Judith P. Hoyer Montessori Glynnis Ogbogou, Adelphi ES Yvette Coley, Imagine Foundations at Morningside Eric Russo, Drew-Freeman MS Kelly S. Crayton, M.Ed., Barack Obama ES Karen Schafer, Adelphi ES Ma. Cielo Deocares, Imagine Foundations at Morningside Denise L. Smith, Thomas G. Pullen Arts Academy Shawna Faro, Glenn Dale ES Bobbie Shockley, Largo HS Joelle Formato, Drew-Freeman MS Venita Simon, C. Elizabeth Rieg Regional School Melany Garcia, Patuxent ES Sharon L. Weaver, Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. HS Anne Hall McKuhen, Mary Harris “Mother” Jones ES Melanie Wheeler, Francis T. Evans ES Paul Hatton, Thomas G. Pullen Arts Academy Gretchen T. Williams, Perrywood ES Tobi M. Haufe, Deerfield Run ESGet more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
