HCPSSStaff Focus
A world-class educational system fully leverages the talent, energy and creativity of highly engaged staff. Staff engagement is a prerequisite to student engagement so we foster a culture that brings out the best in our employees.
Galen Monti, Boiler/Burner Specialist 2, Office of Building Services
Galen Monti has diligently maintained and repaired boilers and burners for the HCPSS for two decades. He services and monitors all aspects of boiler and burner installation, cleaning, replacement, inspection and tests for 54 boilers and associated equipment in 26 buildings throughout the county. Over the past 10 years, he’s also assisted in the review […]
Shalonda Holt, Biology Teacher, Centennial High School
HCPSS Teacher of the Year and Centennial High School biology teacher Shalonda Holt relishes the opportunity she has as a teacher to make a significant impact on her students. Holt’s flipped classroom allows students to work at their own pace and gives more time in class for labs and work. Her students say the flipped […]
Michael Bracco, Art Teacher, Ellicott Mills Middle School
Ellicott Mills Middle School art teacher Michael Bracco is a professional illustrator who brings his love of art and personal studio practices into the classroom. He fosters the students’ artistic process by developing their technical, observational and problem solving skills, as well as their ability to communicate about their own art and the work of […]
Tracy Sanders, 5th Grade Teacher, Deep Run Elementary School
Deep Run Elementary School 5th grade teacher Tracy Sanders is a dynamic young educator full of ideas and open to trying new practices. She explained her teaching philosophy with, “The students are the most important part of what I do, so everything should be centered on what they’re showing me or not showing me.” Sanders […]
Philip Herdman, Gifted & Talented Resource Teacher, Clarksville Middle School
Clarksville Middle School G/T Resource Teacher Philip Herdman spends most of his days running a half dozen Gifted & Talented seminars. Philip’s students say he is open, enthusiastic, and recognizes that each of them have different strengths and talents. He relishes the chance to see the students’ growth and development over their three years at […]
Kerry Woodard, Media Specialist, Harper’s Choice Middle School
Kerry Woodard, brand new to the HCPSS this year, is bringing fresh ideas as a first year media specialist to Harper’s Choice Middle School. She is a strong believer in the mission of the Howard County School Library Media Program, which is to provide opportunities for students and staff to become effective users of ideas […]
Allyson Glassband, Title I Intervention and Family Involvement Teacher, Talbott Springs Elementary School
Allyson Glassband has a unique position in the school system combining family involvement with Title I intervention teaching at Talbott Springs Elementary School. As a Title I intervention teacher, Glassband enhances academic learning by co-teaching and working with small groups of students in several classes, as well as plans, implements or assists with targeted and […]
J.T. Ridgely, School Psychologist, Atholton Elementary School; and Chairperson, HCPSS Crisis Intervention Teams
Dr. J.T. Ridgely splits his time as a school psychologist for Atholton Elementary School and Atholton Elementary Regional Early Childhood Center, and as the chairperson of the HCPSS Crisis Intervention Teams. Ridgely enjoys both roles because as he said, “It’s a chance to make a difference with kids and adults who may need support or […]
Staff Focus: Rayna DuBose, Assistant JV Basketball Coach, Marriotts Ridge High School
Against all odds, Oakland Mills High School graduate Rayna DuBose overcame adversity and now passes along her passion and dedication to student athletes at Marriotts Ridge High School.
Kimberly Morales, World Language Teacher, Bryant Woods Elementary School
Kimberly Morales teaches Spanish to seven classes, Pre-K through 5th grade, at Bryant Woods Elementary School. With 90 percent of the class time spent speaking in Spanish, Morales explained that “in the classroom, we do a little bit of everything, including singing and dancing. There’s a lot of movement and visuals. Gestures help. There are […]