HCPSSHCPSS Names 2025 English Language Development Teachers of the Year
May 6th, 2025
Cradlerock Elementary School’s (CRES) Natalie Torres and Guilford Park High School’s (GPHS) Karen Bui-Bates have been named Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Elementary and Secondary English Language Development (ELD) Teachers of the Year, respectively.
Torres and Bui-Bates were selected by a five-person committee composed of representatives based on the following six criteria:
- Student Impact
- Innovation and Creativity
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Collaboration
- Professional Development
- Community Engagement
“We proudly honor this year’s Elementary and Secondary ELD Teacher of the Year award winners for their dedication, innovative instruction, and lasting impact on multilingual learners. Natalie Torres and Karen Bui-Bates exemplify educational excellence and inspire both colleagues and students through their passion and commitment to providing opportunity for all,” says HCPSS ELD Resource Teacher Pam Freedman, who chaired the awards committee.
“By thoughtfully tailoring lessons to meet the unique linguistic needs of each student, Mrs. Torres not only has enhanced our students’ vocabulary and reading comprehension but also has fostered a true sense of confidence in their ability to succeed academically throughout their school day,” says CRES Principal Dan Notari. “Mrs. Torres goes beyond merely teaching language skills to our Bulldogs; she builds a bridge between the students’ home languages and the academic and social English required for success, engagement, risk-taking, and happiness here at Cradlerock,” he adds.
Bui-Bates exhibits similarly outstanding qualities, benefitting her ELD students and her school community alike, says GPHS Principal Joshua Wasilewski.
“[Many of] our ELD students have significant challenges they face on a daily basis. Through Mrs. Bui-Bates’s approach of high support and high expectations, her students feel cared for and grow academically each day,” he says. “She is an invaluable member of the GPHS community … and one of the most talented and caring teachers within our school system,” he adds.
Torres and Bui-Bates were recognized during surprise visits the week of April 28.
Working closely with content teachers, HCPSS’ ELD teachers provide specialized instruction to multilingual learners (MLs) that is focused on developing MLs’ English language skills, enabling them to access grade-level content, and supporting their academic success.
More information about HCPSS’ ELD program is available online.