Every year, Harford County Public Schools nominates five teachers to recognize the extraordinary things that they bring to the classroom. This year, two of our teachers from Bel Air High School were chosen to be named the Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Smith and Dr. Stanton were recognized for their impressive contributions they have made to Bel Air High.

During nine years of teaching business, Mrs. Smith has become the advisor for Bel Air’s National Business Honor Society, Peer Assistance and Wellness Support group, and also the DECA club. After making the decision to become a stay at home mom, Mrs. Smith took time to take care of her kids and do volunteer jobs for fifteen years, until she entered back into the educational path as a substitute teacher. She then took a job at Bel Air high school to re-enter the teaching world and spread her passion for business on the young students who are trying to find their path. Students appreciate her constant drive to find a way to make students successful, and to engage the students into every lesson. Her lessons extend past the walls of Bel Air High school, as she supports her students with challenges they may face outside of school. The love she spreads does not go unseen, and is appreciated by many who have observed her efforts to bring the school together.

Dr. Stanton has been in the teaching field for twenty four years and has taken on a passion of advancing her education by inspiring others to continue theirs’. Her high school teachers motivated her to become a better writer, and to go onto college. Taking her teachers advice, she went on to Howard University to earn a bachelors in English and Secondary Education. Twenty four years after her first degree she was able to earn a Ph.D. in Education at Walden University.  Dr.Stanton has created close relationships with staff members and students throughout her need to better the environment for everyone. She was the cosponsor for the perspectives club, which focuses on getting input about what is going on in the school, and how the problems can be fixed. To bring the school together, she has worked in a Unity workbook which focuses on bringing the school together and embracing the differences each person has.  Due to the extensive education Dr.Stanton has on English principals, she has become the English chairperson, and is the advisor for the National English Honor Society. Many of the ninth grade students look up to her for advice and support when needed. Mr. Skelton describes her as someone who “understands the needs of students and how to meet those needs. More so than anyone I’ve ever worked with. In addition, she has been an invaluable resource to her fellow teachers in that regard.”

Make sure to wish the best of luck to both of our amazing teachers, Mrs. Smith and Dr. Stanton as they go onto the process of becoming teacher of the year. It is a great honor that two of the five teachers nominated came from our school, and we need to make sure they realize we are thankful to have them at our school. The award will be given on April 14th, 2018 at the Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year ceremony.