Today, three Maryland public high school teachers have been awarded Maryland Tech Council’s (MTC) STEM Educator of the Year award in recognition of their commitment to STEM education and the extraordinary dedication demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Erin Lukomska-Schlauch and Karen Shelton, both of Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, Maryland, and Jamie Proctor, of Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, Maryland, were recognized as STEM Educators of the Year during the Maryland Tech Council’s Industry Awards Celebration today.
“These incredible teachers are deserving of our STEM Educator of the Year Award, Their work with Maryland students is creating a talented future workforce who will continue to propel our great state forward. We applaud each award winner for their selfless acts and work to make a difference through STEM in the lives of students.”
said MTC CEO Marty Rosendale.
“These educators represent an unwavering commitment to Maryland’s science, technology, engineering and math students in such a challenging year, We honor their accomplishments, particularly all the creative ways they brought STEM subjects to life while students were learning at home.”
said Pelletier.
Department chair and science teacher at Charles Herbert Flowers High School, awardee Erin Lukomska-Schlauch demonstrates a passion for science and belief that STEM education is a powerful foundation for success.
She believes it’s her rapport with her students that allowed them to make it through such a difficult time this past year.
“Ms. Lukomska-Schlauch is one of the most intellectual, compassionate, and passionate teachers I ever had the pleasure to be taught by, Even in a pandemic, her passion can be seen through the lesson plans. She creates interactive lectures filled with fun projects and labs that utilize basic household materials so that students can follow along. She’s genuinely one of a kind.”
raved one of her students.
Wilde Lake High School Science Teacher and Instructional Leader Awardee Jamie Proctor has worked as an educator for thirteen years, teaching courses like biology, forensic science, environmental science and earth and space science.
Her peers remark on her dedication to students and STEM, citing a mastery of the ideals and practices.
“Jamie is a master teacher who is a powerful force in implementing a comprehensive and authentic science program for our students and community at Wilde Lake High School, She creates a simultaneously rigorous and supportive classroom for her students, not an easy feat, and she ensures that her students are engaged in authentic learning experiences throughout the year. Jamie is exactly the type of instructional leader we need in our schools.”
said Marcia L. Leonard, Wilde Lake High School principal.
The final awardee, Karen Shelton is a Science and Technology Internship Program Coordinator for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS).
Shelton worked tirelessly this past year to ensure that students in the PCGPS Science and Technology Program didn’t sacrifice any experiences due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As one of three coordinators in the county, she managed to ensure students were able to practice STEM skills hands-on through innovative hybrid learning techniques.
In Fall 2020, Shelton collaborated with non-profit organization Learning Undefeated to custom-develop an at-home science kit for more than 2,000 PGCPS high school students.
“Karen Shelton’s strong commitment to student-led investigations and hands-on experiences enable students to build the skills they need to succeed in a STEM career, The students at Flowers High School are lucky to have Ms. Shelton finding creative ways for them to engage with STEM.”
said Learning Undefeated Education Program Manager Kristin Diamantides.