HCPSS Names 2024 Principal and Teachers of the Year

April 22nd, 2024

HCPSS Acting Superintendent William J. Barnes on April 22 announced the recipients of the school system’s annual principal and teachers of the year award:

• Principal of the Year: Dr. Joelle Miller, Centennial High School
• Teacher of the Year: Jeanette Swank, Ellicott Mills Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Jessica Nichols, River Hill High School

Each recipient was named during surprise visits at their respective schools, and will be recognized at an upcoming Howard County Board of Education meeting. The three also serve as the HCPSS nominees for Washington Post Principal of the Year, Washington Post Teacher of the Year (Swank) and Maryland State Department of Education Teacher of the Year (Nichols).

Dr. Joelle Miller, Centennial High School

HCPSS 2024 Principal of the Year
Dr. Miller began her career in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) as a science teacher and then a science resource teacher for ten years prior to coming to HCPSS. While at MCPS, she worked as a biology consultant for the Caroline County Public School System and later as a science teacher, Advanced Placement coordinator, biology content review specialist, and Maryland Science Olympiad Division Coordinator. She began her HCPSS career in 2007 as a biology teacher at River Hill High School. She served as assistant principal at Centennial High School from 2010-2015, after which she served as principal at Clarksville Middle School and Mt. Hebron High School. She returned to Centennial High School as principal this school year.

Miller was nominated for Principal of the Year for a variety of reasons, including her positive energy, vision, and strong work ethic. As one of her nominators notes, “[Miller’s] unwavering commitment to her job is inspiring to her staff; by her example, they are motivated to work to their highest potential because they want to live up to the standards she sets, and they know they will be supported and recognized for their efforts.”

CHS Athletics and Activities Manager Jeannie Prevosoto describes Miller as “the most influential, effective, and compassionate building leader [she has] had the pleasure to work alongside.” Prevosto adds that Miller “brings her deep, personal touch” to her interactions with all stakeholders and says Miller “has a deep, genuine concern for and a true desire is to get to know each student and staff member.”

Miller also is recognized for her strong support for and relationships with students. As two CHS parents note in their nomination letter, “[her] genuine care for the students, combined with her career experience make her one of the best administrator’s we have had the pleasure to know during our 27-year stint as parents of Howard County Public School students.”

“Dr. Miller’s active involvement in every facet of school life sets her apart as an exceptional leader,” adds a CHS student in her nomination letter. “She is truly everywhere, everything, all at once. Dr. Miller shows up for us no matter the time, place, or circumstance. Her reliability, dedication, and support are truly unwavering.”

Jessica Nichols, River Hill High School

HCPSS 2024 Teacher of the Year

Nichols has been a secondary social studies teacher since 2001. She taught in Montgomery County Public Schools and at a private academy before joining the social studies department at River Hill High School in 2014. While there, she has been the head sponsor of several school clubs and served as the school’s wellness representative and as a teacher development liaison.

Students and staff alike describe Nichols as kind, caring, selfless, and one to consistently go the extra mile to be supportive. As one RHHS student notes, “Mrs. Nichols has sacrificed countless hours to show up for her students’ events, games, and celebrations … She never fails to make time for her students … She goes above and beyond her classroom duties, supporting and teaching her students in ways that impact them for the rest of their lives, because she truly cares about each and every one of them.”

“Whether it’s supporting a struggling student, collaborating with colleagues on curriculum development, or offering guidance to new teachers, [Nichols] is always there with a smile and a helping hand,” adds one of her colleagues. “Her open-door policy and approachability make her an invaluable resource for both students and fellow educators, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment within the school community.”

In addition, Nichols’ students say she continually engages and inspires them with anecdotes and stories that help bring lessons to life.

Jeanette Swank, Ellicott Mills Middle School

HCPSS 2024 Teacher of the Year

Swank’s 23-year career in education began in Baltimore County, where she served as a middle school Spanish teacher and foreign language department chair. She joined HCPSS in 2006 as a 7th grade English teacher and department chair at Wilde Lake Middle School. In 2014, she moved to Running Brook Elementary School, where she taught and served as the team leader for 3rd and 5th grade. In 2019, she moved to Ellicott Mills Middle School, where she teaches 6th and 7th grade English. Swank has held numerous leadership roles during her educational career, including being a member of school improvement, leadership, and professional development teams, as well as mentoring teacher interns. She is currently pursuing National Board Certification.

Among the many things that distinguish Swank as a teacher is her ability to connect with, inspire and engage students. “Ms. Swank makes students feel as though they are stakeholders in their education,” notes the parents of one of her students, adding that Swank “makes students feel welcome and appreciated.” Several of Swank’s former teacher colleagues at RBES echo that sentiment, noting that Swank’s classroom is “always warm and welcoming” and “a place where students feel valued, respected, and motivated to learn.”

In his nomination letter, EMMS Principal Peter Gaylord describes Swank as “a true educational visionary,” who prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. “She stands out for her unwavering commitment to incorporating culturally responsive teaching practices … ensuring that her students not only learn the subject matter but also see themselves and their cultures reflected in the curriculum,” he says. He also notes Swank’s exceptional leadership abilities, which have helped enhance professional development and close the achievement gap at EMMS.