May 10, 2022 For Immediate Release
BALTIMORE, MD- Pre-k teacher Berol Dewdney of Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School is Baltimore City Public Schools’ 2022 Teacher of the Year. CEO Sonja Brookins Santelises presented the award this morning during a surprise announcement at Commodore John Rodgers.
"Berol Dewdney is an exceptional teacher and a great example of what pouring into our children with passion and love looks like,” said Dr. Santelises. “She exemplifies the skills, patience and devotion for her students’ success that make her such a sensational pre-kindergarten teacher. She follows a long lineage of amazing City Schools teachers that earned this honor, and I am so proud to have her on our team."
Ms. Dewdney is a team lead at Commodore John Rodgers, Tools of the Mind endorsed curriculum and instructional coach across the district, City Schools Model Teacher, and a kindergarten readiness consultant. Outside of City Schools, Ms. Dewdney is a Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teaching Award Regional Finalist and a Kennedy Leadership Award Winner.
“Berol brings a lot of things to the table. She is passionate about early childhood education. She is committed to play-based learning and brain-based research. She believes strongly in the students and families of Baltimore City”, said Commodore John Rodgers Principal Marc Martin. “She is always open to critical feedback, collaborative growth, and new practices. Above all, like so many of our teachers, she embodies the Commodore Way by creating joyful learning and exuding unconditional love. When you think about what you want for your child in school, you think of Ms. Dewdney as your child's teacher, and you think of Ms. Dewdney's classroom as the space you want your child in when they are not at home.”
City Schools selects the Teacher of the Year through a rigorous, competitive process that involves an extensive review of applications, essays, and recommendations; interviews; and classroom observations. Each finalist also has a personal interview with CEO Santelises.
As City Schools' Teacher of the Year, Ms. Dewdney will receive a cash award, classroom supplies, and other professional learning resources provided through the Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke Endowment Fund. She will advance to the 2022-23 Maryland State Teacher of the Year competition. The winner of that competition will represent Maryland at the national level.
For more information about the Teacher of the Year award, Ms. Dewdney, and the other finalists, please visit baltimorecityschools.org/teacher-year.