Meet Amanda Krantz, Pocomoke High School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 4.
A graduate of Pocomoke High School, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Barton College and a Masters in Secondary Education from Wilmington University. With a decade of teaching experience in Worcester County, this marks her third year at Pocomoke High School. Demonstrating a passion for science, she utilizes interactive methods to engage students, fueling their curiosity and interest in future STEM careers. Beyond the classroom, she serves as a mentor teacher, co-chairs PBIS, is a member of her School Improvement Team, and coaches field hockey. Deeply involved in her community, she volunteers in youth activities at Lynnhaven Baptist Church and serves as President of the Junior Woman's Club, actively contributing through volunteer service.
WTHS's Summer STATT (Skilled Trades, Agriculture, Tourism and Technology) Camp will open registration next week!
Meet Jason Konyar, Snow Hill High School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 4.
Jason E. Konyar earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management before earning his Master of Arts in Teaching. This is his nineteenth year instructing in Worcester County and his fifteenth year as a chapter advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America. He teaches a wide range of courses in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business Program of Study, as well as courses related to personal financial literacy. Mr. Konyar encourages students to develop a self-driven, intrinsically motivated plan for a life after high school that brings them joy and financial stability.
Meet Andrea Kominos, Showell Elementary School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 4.
Andrea Kominos, Stephen Decatur alumna, earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Education in Reading Specialist from Salisbury University. Celebrating her tenth year at Showell Elementary, she is dedicated to teaching Kindergarten. Kominos firmly believes that love is the driving force for success in any classroom. She strives to create a dynamic kinesthetic learning experience, fostering a space where students feel loved, safe, engaged, and motivated to take risks in their learning journey. Kominos actively contributes to various committees and serves as a mentor for university interns and new teachers, leaving a positive impact on the educational community.
It was an honor to participate in Worcester Goes Purple's Community Conversation about the recent uptick in drug overdoses. Thank you AGH, WCHD, Worc. Co. Sheriff's Office, MADD, Atlantic Club, Cove Recovery, OC EMTs, Bethann McIntosh, Homes4Hope, and some courageous community members for giving your time and experience. Special thanks to Sen. Carozza, BOE member Elena McComas and Health Officer Becky Jones for also joining us. Thank you Shawn Goddard, WCPS Safety & Security Manager for attending. Thank you Debbie Smullen for organizing a great, informative night. Together, we can make a difference!
Celebrate Youth Art Month in March!
It was my honor to recognize another student today with a Challenge Coin. Buckingham fourth grader Madeline has demonstrated both kindness and leadership among her peers and is well deserving of this honor. Congratulations Madeline! -LT #WeAreWorcester
Meet Zachary Johnson, Cedar Chapel Special School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 4.
The same Zachary Johnson who started as a substitute teacher, was hired as an educational assistant in 2008, earned a graduate degree in special education, secured a position as a classroom teacher, and obtained a PE certificate… is thrilled to deliver adapted physical education to the students at Cedar Chapel Special School. Mr. Zak has started multiple athletic clubs, coached Special Olympics (skiing, soccer, basketball, torch run), and teamed up with neighboring schools for inclusive activities. He takes having fun extremely seriously and strives to create a safe environment that dispels the “PE is not for everyone” myth.
Congratulations to Stephen Decatur High's Queen, who I was fortunate to present a Challenge Coin to this morning. She is a wonderful student and a great role model to her peers. -LT #WeAreWorcester
Meet Susan Gray, Buckingham Elementary School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 4.
Susan Gray has earned a Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University and a Master of Education from Wilmington University. She has taught at Buckingham Elementary for 13 years as a math resource coach, a third grade teacher and now a first grade teacher. Gray sets high expectations and strives to create a positive learning environment where students feel valued and successful. She is a member of her School Improvement Team and PBIS, serves as a team leader, participates in before/after school programs, is a member of the Apple Vanguard cohort, a Worcester LEADS teacher, and a mentor to university interns.
The MEGABrain & MEGALungs are back at Pocomoke High School today. Learning about the ramifications of substance abuse, students walked through the giant displays, participated in simulations using goggles, and more!
What an absolute joy to present two Challenge Coins to deserving students in the Pocomoke area today! Both Yurani (PHS) and Karmyn (PMS) have demonstrated resiliency and a love of learning that should inspire us all. Congratulations, young ladies! -LT #WeAreWorcester
Meet Caitlin Evans, Worcester Technical High School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 4.
Caitlin Evans, a seasoned educator with 12 years of teaching Hospitality and Tourism Management at Worcester Technical High School, is an alumna of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She holds a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Alongside her academic achievements, Caitlin, in collaboration with her husband, Jamie, owns and operates Dockside Restaurant in Pocomoke, MD. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, she contributes to the community by serving on the Board of Directors for the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation. Caitlin serves on a wide range of committees in and out of school. Her diverse background showcases her dedication to education, business, and community service.
It's time to meet our 2024 School-Level Teachers of the Year! Now through our annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 4, we will be highlighting these amazing teachers. First up is Lisa Ballance of Pocomoke Elementary School! #WCPSTOY2024
Lisa Ballance earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Salisbury State University, and her Masters of Education from Old Dominion University. This is her nineteenth-year teaching second grade at Pocomoke Elementary School. Prior to coming to Worcester County, she taught seven years in Accomack County, Virginia. She is a mentor teacher for new teachers, and a teacher of after school and summer academies. She has high expectations of her students but believes building relationships with students will lead to academic success. She is creative in finding ways to encourage attendance, academic success and provides a safe, loving, learning environment.
REMINDER: Schools will dismiss early on March 27 and be closed from March 28-April 1. We will see you on April 2! #WeAreWorcester
Celebrate Youth Art Month in March!
Thank you to the Tooth Fairy's Helper, who visited all of our 1st graders to educate them about oral health and give out tooth brush kits! Thank you ESHEC!
BREAKING: Worcester County Public Schools has been awarded the Flame of Excellence award for the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore 22-23 campaign! Thank you to our school system community for helping us invest in our communities! @UWLES #TogetherWeLIVEUNITED
Celebrate Youth Art Month in March!
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With Safe Schools Maryland, there are many ways you can submit an anonymous tip. Save this information to use for reporting. #WeAreWorcester #PartnershipsInAction
