April 22, 2021 For Immediate Release
(Baltimore, MD) — Middle school social studies teacher Sidney Thomas of Holabird Academy is Baltimore City Public Schools' 2021 Teacher of the Year. CEO Sonja Brookins Santelises presented the award this morning during a surprise announcement at Holabird Academy.
"Sidney Thomas is a dynamic teacher. Her commitment to racial equity and to supporting students as they learn is exceptional. Her unwavering passion for the work is precisely what the students of City Schools need and deserve." said Dr. Santelises. "Sidney teaches her students lessons that they can apply to their lives beyond the classroom. Sidney is a masterful teacher, and I am proud to have her on our team."
Ms. Thomas is a BMore Me Fellow, where she develops and writes a racially equitable and culturally responsive Social Studies curriculum for City Schools. Moreover, she serves as a Multi-Classroom Lead, Holabird Academy's Equity Committee Leader, and Project LIT leader. She was a 2019 City Schools Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist.
In addition to her classroom success, Ms. Thomas serves as a CHARM magazine advisory board member and a One Book Baltimore committee member.
Ms. Thomas earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Millsaps College and her Master of Arts in English from Jackson State University.
"Ms. Thomas leads from her seat as a middle school social studies teacher at Holabird Academy", said Principal Novak. "She is an incredible educator and highly deserving of this prestigious honor!
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. The CEO conducts a personal interview with each finalist.
As City Schools' Teacher of the Year, Ms. Thomas 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 2021-22 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. Thomas, and the other finalists, please visit ww.baltimorecityschools.org/teacher-year.