5 Tigers recognized for excellence in education

By Rebecca Kirkman on August 31, 2020

The end of the 2019–20 academic year was unlike any other, as students and educators pivoted to remote and hybrid learning environments. Towson University College of Education alumni and faculty across Maryland rose to the challenge, and four alumni and one faculty member have been recognized this summer for their leadership and hard work.

In June, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced its annual teacher and principal of the year winners. The district named Kelly O’Connell ’01, ’09 of Mars Estates Elementary in Essex the Elementary Principal of the Year and Rochelle Archelus ’07 of Woodlawn Middle School in Lochearn the Middle School Principal of the Year.

O’Connell graduated from TU with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree from the Department of Instructional Leadership & Professional Development (ILPD). In her fourth year as principal at Mars Estates Elementary and her 18th with BCPS, she is known for celebrating school and community achievements using the social media hashtag #MarsStars.

“This award is not just about me. It’s a reflection for everyone at Mars Estates Elementary,” O’Connell says in a statement. “It’s about teachers, students and families and doing what is right for all kids.”

Archelus, who is in her sixth year as the principal at Woodlawn Middle and her 23rd working for BCPS, also is a graduate of the ILPD master’s program. She says her mother, who was a public educator for 40 years in New Jersey, inspired her career in education.

“If I can be half the educator that my mother was, then I’ve done great,” Archelus says. “She is my inspiration.”

This is the third consecutive year that BCPS principals of the year have been graduates of the College of Education’s Department of Instructional Leadership & Professional Development. Monica Sample ’05 was the 2019 high school principal of the year and Cheryl Brooks ’07 was the 2018 elementary principal of the year.

“The selection of so many TU graduates as teachers and principals of the year is a powerful indicator of the quality of our programs in the College of Education,” says Dean Laurie Mullen. “Our graduates do not seek such awards but are recognized for their unyielding commitment to children, youth, families and the profession.”

Prince George’s County Public Schools honored Mary Piccirilli ’13 of Cooper Lane Elementary School in Landover Hills as its 2020 Teacher of the Year.

Piccirilli earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from TU, which she credits for preparing her to lead a classroom and everything else that comes along with teaching.

“The College of Education supports teachers in learning how to plan lessons, hold parent-teacher conferences, differentiate for students and so much more,” says Piccirilli, who has wanted to teach since she was a little girl who play-taught neighborhood kids. “The mentors and professors at Towson University were so supportive. They shaped me into the educator that I am today.”

Harford Technical High School social studies teacher Elizabeth White ’08, ’13 earned Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year award.

White, who holds a bachelor degree in history with a secondary education concentration and master’s degree in instructional leadership and professional development from TU, says making students love her history class and interactions with students and colleagues are her favorite parts of teaching.

“My experiences at Towson University were extremely valuable to my career,” White says. “Professors like Dr. [Todd] Kenreich and [former faculty member Susan] Hanson left lasting impressions on me as they helped prepare me for teaching in undergraduate school. The attention to detail of the programs made me feel very prepared to enter the field of teaching. I always felt supported, especially through the student teaching process.”

White appreciates the recognition for a career where a lot of the work is done behind the scenes. “I work tirelessly to bring history to life, to keep students engaged and to see them having fun while learning,” she says. They may not turn out to be history majors, but I’m hopeful that they turn out to be life-long learners.”

Tom Evans, a lecturer in the Department of Instructional Leadership and Professional Development, received the 2020 Distinguished Service to Education Award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Before he was a member of the faculty in the College of Education, Evans spent more than 45 years in public education. He received the award for his long service as a principal, trainer, university instructor and mentor to aspiring leaders.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland.