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.
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 […]
Staff Focus: Kimberly-Ann Wilson, Speech-Language Pathologist, Mount Hebron High School
Kimberly-Ann Wilson describes the role of a speech-language pathologist as “working to enhance learning and quality of life opportunities, while developing individualized abilities for lifelong success to communicate within the world.” As the sole speech-language pathologist at Mount Hebron High School, Wilson works regularly with 48 students, in the classroom or one-on-one, who need support […]
Staff Focus: Muhammad Bilal, paraeducator, Running Brook Elementary School
A chance encounter led to a life-changing job for Muhammad Bilal. Now a paraeducator at Running Brook, Muhammad has worked his way up at the school and is even going back to school himself. “Mr. B,” as he’s known at Running Brook is changing his life for the better, while helping students better themselves.
Ken MacGregor, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Mayfield Woods Middle School
Ken MacGregor is both a teacher and wrestling coach at Mayfield Woods Middle School. He has been with the school for 23 years, his entire career. MacGregor follows the same philosophy when teaching or coaching, saying, “We have to set up an environment that’s safe for the kids that they want to come to. I […]