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June 12, 2025

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7 Ed Notes

Easton High Teacher is Maryland TESOL Teacher of the Year

June 16, 2021 by Talbot County Public Schools

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Mrs. Heather Andrews

The Maryland TESOL (Teachers of English Speakers of Other Languages) Association has recognized Mrs. Heather Andrews as the 2021 ESOL Teacher of the Year for K-12.

The ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) Teacher of the Year Award honors two ESOL educators, one K-12 and one Higher Education, who go above and beyond in their job duties inside and outside of the classroom, and have distinguished themselves within that year for specific reasons. Nominees must be ESOL educators in the State of Maryland and a member of Maryland TESOL. The Award is presented at the Annual Spring Dinner and Meeting which was held virtually on May 20, 2021.

Mrs. Andrews teaches 9th and 10th graders EFL II and Sheltered English 9 at Easton High. She was nominated by Mrs. Renee Warfield, a fellow ESOL Teacher, who said the following:  “Heather Andrews has been a fiercely advocating ESOL teacher and tutor for elementary school students and high school students for a decade. She always goes above and beyond to make families feel a great sense of belonging when they transition into a new life here in Maryland. From family picnics, evening phone calls, handwritten letters, coordinating pen pal pairs with Spanish students, coordinating support with counselors, to researching her craft to bolster her students’ literacy, Heather always puts 110% of her time, energy, mind and heart into her students who often continue to reach out to her to stay in touch post-graduation.  In a time of uncertainty, her care for her students and knowledge of what is going on in each and all of their lives, Heather’s approach to learning has always been all in for the human experiences she is privileged to have everyday with students from around the world. Maryland is better to have her!”

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve and represent the TESOL profession and the MD TESOL Association,” Mrs. Andrews said. “I am grateful to my esteemed colleagues, the staff and administrators at each school where I have worked, as well as my family who believed in me. I am honored to accept this award.”

Maryland TESOL is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the improvement and advancement of teaching English to speakers of other languages. Maryland TESOL is an affiliate of TESOL, the international organization of professionals interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Talbot County Public Schools

TCPS Students Selected for Chesapeake College Black History Month Program

March 16, 2021 by Talbot County Public Schools

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Seniors Tyler Redman, from Easton High and Andre Davis from St. Michaels Middle High were selected to represent their schools at Chesapeake College’s Annual Black History Program on February 20.  The event honors excellence in local youth, recognizing outstanding high school students for their contributions to the community.

Tyler Redman and Andre Davis

The Chesapeake College Black History Program has been a long-standing fundraiser to support the JC Gibson Memorial Book Scholarship. As an addition to the celebration, this is the second year that the college has included the recognition of high school seniors. Each of the public high schools in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, and Queen Anne’s counties have an opportunity for the principal or their designee to select a minority student based on outstanding academic achievement, outstanding community service, or an overall positive student who makes a difference in his/her school. They have recognized a total of 21 amazing high school students over the two-year period.  This year’s program also included guest speaker Devon Beck, Educator, Community Leader and Hip Hop Artist whose presentation was entitled, “Because of Them..We Can.” The program was virtual due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“The James C. Gibson Scholarship was established by the family of Mr. Gibson in memory of his charitable giving,” said Michelle Wayman, Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion at Chesapeake College.  “Mr. Gibson, a Chesapeake College employee, and a resident of Talbot County, supported many students both morally and financially with books, lunches, and whatever way he could to make sure they succeeded in their academic journey at Chesapeake. The scholarship provides financial assistance with books, e-books, and other academic needs to minority students, under-represented students, and students who are struggling financially.”

“l congratulate Andre and Tyler on this special recognition, as they are both very deserving,” said Dr. Kelly L. Griffith, Superintendent.  “We are grateful to Chesapeake College for this wonderful opportunity, and for all thatthe college does to support and encourage our students.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 7 Ed Notes Tagged With: Education, local news, Talbot County Public Schools

Mullen Takes Helm at WRUS

July 24, 2020 by Wye River Upper School

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What started out as a plan to retire evolved into the next chapter of Dave Mullen’s life, as he moved to the Eastern Shore to serve the community, staff, and students at Wye River Upper School.

On July 1, Mullen took over as the Interim Head of School at Wye River, a school with a familiar mission and job requirements to where he spent almost 30 of his 41 years in education.

Having served as Head of School at The Nora School in Silver Spring, Md, for 29 years, moving into this position came naturally to Mullen. He aims to serve as the bridge between the founding Head of School, Chrissy Aull, and her long-term successor to be chosen later this year.

“The work that is done here at WRUS is the work I’ve done for most of my career,” Mullen said. “I really enjoy working with teens who have been frustrated in school, and for whom learning does not always come easily.”

The exemplary reputation of WRUS drew him to seeking the position.

“It’s important for me to be working with teachers and colleagues who have a true calling and commitment to improving the lives of kids, and I knew I’d find that at Wye River,” Mullen said.

A graduate of New England Conservatory of Music, Mullen earned a Master’s degree in Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Maryland in 1991. For the past 29 years, he led The Nora School, a small independent college preparatory high school focusing on students with diverse learning styles. He retired as Head of School on June 30.

“I understand our students’ and families’ challenges because I’ve been doing this work for a long time. My own kids have had their learning struggles at various points,” Mullen said. “I know how challenges in school can impact families’ lives, and now they have even more turbulence to navigate as they work around COVID-19. The interim role is new [to me], and I’m excited to be seeing new ideas, learning, and meeting new people.”

Mullen also added he is “happy to help the school ‘set the table’ for the next leader and the next phase of the school’s growth.”

One of the challenges with which Mullen is grappling is how COVID-19 is affecting students. He has been working with the staff at WRUS in planning for both hybrid and online scenarios next fall.

Mullen also understands that the disease may be a factor for the foreseeable future. For him, that face-to-face interaction is critical to both academic learning and emotional health whether it is in person or virtually.

“Wye River did a terrific job moving online last spring and having classes meet every day, virtually, through the end of the school year. That kind of commitment shows real planning, thoughtfulness and attention to detail,” Mullen said.

Rather than having students constantly on a computer screen, he is enthusiastic about Wye River’s commitment to integrating daily physical education. He also hopes to develop the school’s mindfulness program to assist students, parents, and teachers in coping with the anxiety of today’s world.

Tackling a few elements of the Strategic Plan this year, Mullen will keep Wye River moving in the positive direction that has been the hallmark of the school’s 18-year history.

“I want to support the folks who’ve made a career here, and help them fulfill their hopes and dreams for the school going forward,” Mullen said. “We’ve been living in an age of anxiety for the last 20 years, from Sept. 11 to the great recession to the turmoil of the last several months. These kids have grown up having known nothing different.”

He continued saying “there’s a great need to take care of the people in our small

communities and help them navigate and get through these challenges in healthy and productive ways.”

One person who knew that Mullen could take on this leading role was founding WRUS Head of School Chrissy Aull, who said “with Dave at the helm of WRUS, I can rest well knowing that he is up to the daunting task of readying the school for all the matters Corona related. I don’t think there is any aspect of this challenge that Dave is not ready to address. He will lead the staff and families through this unforeseen situation.”

About Wye River Upper School:

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville MD approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge, WRUS offers daily bus transportation. For more info, contact Nicole Sophocles at 410-758-2922.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Ed Homepage, Ed Portal Lead Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, local news, Talbot County Public Schools

Schools to Remain Closed for the 2019-2020 School Year

May 8, 2020 by Talbot County Public Schools

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Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon has announced that all Maryland public schools will be closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year with continuity of learning continuing for the remainder of the approved school calendar.  With the waiver of five school days, as well as the addition of Memorial Day as a school day, the last day of school for students will be June 12, 2020.

This announcement was made during Governor Hogan’s press conference,in which he gave an update on his Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery plan.  While the Governor did authorize resumption of elective medical procedures and safe outdoor activities this week, he stressed the importance of continuing to maintain social distancing, adhering to the Stay at Home Order, limiting gatherings to 10 people or less, and wearing masks.  He also indicated that our state’s COVID-19 data does not yet indicate that we are ready to move into phase one of the recovery plan.

The planning of alternative graduations for the Class of 2020 is moving forward, and seniors will be recognized for their accomplishments.  The graduation plans must remain in compliance with the Governor’s executive order.

Dr. Salmon also announced that the Maryland State Department of Education will be releasing the Maryland Together Recovery Plan for Education which guides local school systems in preparing for the reopening of schools in phases depending up on each district’s circumstances and under the direction of local superintendents.  These guidelines will dovetail with the Governor’s Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery Plan.

“I know that I can speak for all of our teachers and school administrators in saying that this news is disappointing for us, as we really hoped we would see our students again in person,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent.“I also know that under the current circumstances, this is the only safe alternative for our students and staff.  We are grateful to Dr. Salmon and Governor Hogan for their leadership through this very challenging and unprecedented situation.”

TCPS meal distribution will continue on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at all school sites. The TCPS Instructional Technology Help Desk will be open on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and Fridays from noon – 3:00 p.m. at Easton High School and St. Michaels Elementary School.  Please send an email to [email protected] for virtual support or to schedule a help desk appointment for iPads or laptops.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: Chestertown Spy, Education, local news, Talbot County Public Schools

Kirwan Conversations: A Chat with Talbot County Schools Superintendent Kelly Griffith

March 9, 2020 by Dave Wheelan

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Two weeks ago, the Spy started a series of interviews with senior stakeholders in the state and on the Eastern Shore to discuss the landmark recommendations of the Kirwan Commission and the resulting legislation now under consideration in Annapolis.

We began with Michael Sanderson, the director of Maryland Association of Counties, who stated very clearly that the proposed Kirwan recommendations would be the “most consequential policy decisions that any of these policymakers are going to make during their whole political career.”

Given how serious these reforms would mean on the Eastern Shore, we continued with our interview with Dr. Karen Couch, the superintendent of Kent County Public Schools, and, more importantly, one of the few education professionals to serve on the commission. It is also noteworthy to point out the Dr. Couch represented the smallest county school system in the State.

In this week’s installment, we talk to Kelly Griffith, Superintendent of Talbot County Public Schools, for her take on the five primary recommendations of Kirwan and drill down on the impact it may have on the Mid-Shore and her school district.

This video is approximately twelve minutes in length. For more information about Kirwan and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, please go here.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 2 News Homepage, Ed Portal Lead, News Portal Highlights Tagged With: Kelly Griffith, Kirwan, Talbot County Public Schools

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