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.
Jean-Eddy Augustin, World Languages Teacher, River Hill High School and Mount Hebron High School
Jean-Eddy Augustin, originally from Haiti, brings his experiences from living around the world to his French and Spanish classrooms.
Patricia Branner-Pierce, Black Student Achievement Program Achievement Specialist
As a Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) achievement specialist, Patricia Branner-Pierce lives out her passion of giving students and families enrichment and support opportunities. Branner-Pierce’s inspiration comes from growing up in East Harlem and credits her mentors–like those in the BSAP–with changing the direction of her life.
Elizabeth Reinhardt, Orchestra Director, Hammond High School and Patuxent Valley Middle School
Orchestra director Elizabeth Reinhardt is known as an excellent cellist who brings out the best in her students at Hammond High School and Patuxent Valley Middle School.
Derrick Burks, Day Supervisor, Cedar Lane School
Cedar Lane School Day Building Supervisor Derrick Burks goes above and beyond his duties every day, and it’s evident in the way the students care for him.
Ann Barnhouse, Principal’s Secretary, Clemens Crossing Elementary School
Clemens Crossing Elementary School Principal’s Secretary Ann Barnhouse is known for providing “service with a smile.” As a lifelong Elkridge resident, she’s embraced Howard County and its school system as an alumna, parent, volunteer and staff member. In her two years in her current role, Barnhouse said she loves that she’s “involved in everything at the school.”
Jenny Geilfuss, Health Education Teacher, Lake Elkhorn Middle School
In her second year teaching Health Education at Lake Elkhorn Middle School, Jenny Geilfuss is already an HCPSS model teacher for health instruction. Previously, Geilfuss taught fitness and environmental science related subjects in such settings as an island with a population of two and a school system’s outdoor school. She continues to explore incorporating the […]
Nena Hupp, Grade 2 Instructional Team Leader, Worthington Elementary School
Worthington Elementary School Grade 2 Instructional Team Leader Nena Hupp brings a wealth of experiences to the classroom from teaching a wide range of student populations in multiple locations and school systems. In over 20 years as an educator, she’s become known for her proactive communications, her math and other leadership contributions, and her openness […]
Tim Beall, Band Director, Northfield Elementary School
Beall is inspired by the enthusiasm of beginner students. His students say he makes music fun! Watch more about Tim in this Staff Focus video.
Demetrius Ball, Social Studies Teacher, Howard High School
Howard High School Social Studies teacher Demetrius Ball has immersed himself in school leadership roles since joining the staff in fall 2012. Ball, a West Point educated army veteran, brings a unique perspective to his U.S. History and Leadership classes. Even though Ball knew from an early age, while growing up in Findlay, Ohio, that […]
Ty’Nisha Armstead, 4th Grade Teacher, Cradlerock Elementary School
Seasoned early education teacher Ty’Nisha Armstead embraced a new school system and new curriculum, teaching 4th grade for the first time, when she joined Cradlerock Elementary School this year. Armstead said she’s “loving” the 4th grade as she’s trying out new ideas, saying “This county is big on hands on and technology learning. I can […]