25% of Maryland's 24 school districts named SSU graduates as their "Teacher of the Year.

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury State University recently received national accreditation for its teacher education program, but the University has frequently been cited during its 75-year history for producing outstanding teachers.  That tradition was again in evidence this spring as a full quarter of Maryland's 24 school districts named SSU graduates as their "Teacher of the Year."

"SSU has a long history of preparing highly qualified teachers and principals for Maryland's schools," said Dr. Beth Barnett, dean of the Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies at SSU.

"Obtaining NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) verifies the outstanding quality of our teacher education programs and sets standards for our continued education of excellent teachers."

All three counties on the Lowers Eastern Shore named Salisbury State alumni as their respective Teacher of the Year: Patricia Butler (B.S. 1991), Carter G. Woodson Middle School, Somerset County; Teresa McCain (B.A. 1987, M. Ed. 1991), James M. Bennett Middle School, Wicomico County; and Brenda Harem (B.A. 1994, M.A. 1997), Stephen Decatur High School, Worcester County.

Other districts recognizing SSU graduates were: Ellen Mulder (B.A. 1968), North Caroline High School, Caroline County; Jeffrey Webb (B.S. 1971, M. Ed. 1979), Vienna Elementary, Dorchester County; and Donna Midcap (B.S. 1988, M. Ed. 1993), Chapell Elementary, Talbot County.

Additionally, J. C. Parker (B.A. 1970, M. Ed. 1977),  an instructor at James M. Bennett high School in Salisbury was named Maryland Year 2000 Outstanding Teacher of American History, an award sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution.  The previous year Ron Wainwright (B. A. 1985, M. Ed. 1994)of Mardela Middle and High School won the award.

Teachers are not the only educators with an SSU diploma gaining recognition statewide.  The two most recent Maryland principals of the Year were Salisbury State graduates: Bob Kemmery ( M. Ed. 1972) Eastern Technical High School, location, 1999-2000; and Lou Taylor (B.S. 1982, M. Ed. 1989), Stephen Decatur High School, 1998-99.

This isn't the first year SSU alumni have garnered a significant number of the Maryland teaching accolades.  In 1996 SSU graduates were named Teachers of the Year in six of the then 23 school districts.