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.
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 […]
Kate Graham, Kindergarten Teacher, Longfellow Elementary School
Kate Graham, at Longfellow Elementary School, believes in offering her kindergarteners “structured, play-based choices, developmentally appropriate for young learners.” She helps her 20 “little ones feel independent and successful” on a daily basis through morning meetings, which involve moving their bodies to music; language arts; math; recess; quiet time; P.E., art, music, technology or media […]
Diana Thesing, ESOL Teacher, Oakland Mills High School
Diana Thesing always knew she wanted to make a difference in the community and found her calling as an ESOL teacher at Oakland Mills High School. HCPSS ESOL promotes the development of English language learning students’ proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing as they engage in study of academic content across all subjects. Thesing […]
Staff Focus: Kim Deppen, Kindergarten Team Leader, Veterans Elementary School
Kim Deppen has taught for HCPSS for 17 years. Co-workers commend Deppen’s ability to create a safe and welcoming learning environment that supports the success of her students. Learn more about Deppen in this Staff Focus video.
Staff Focus: Chris Edwards, Office of Custodial Services
Chris Edwards has been a supervisor in the HCPSS Office of Custodial Services for more than 22 years. Custodial Services works to provide a safe, clean and healthy environment for the students, teachers and staff of Howard County schools. The primary responsibility of this office is to keep the buildings, grounds, sidewalks and fields clean […]