On Thursday afternoon, April 30, Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano and St. Mary's County Board of Education members met up at Lexington Park Elementary to surprise second grade teacher Ms. Therese Gittens with balloons and accolades.

Gittens was selected as St. Mary's County Teacher of the Year and has been teaching in the county since 2003. Gittens' class was all smiles when Dr. Martirano and his "friends" came in to recognize their beloved teacher.

Gittens considers teaching her calling and emotionally said, "I'm very humbled".

Martirano commended the outstanding teacher for being "so committed to the profession" and listened as Gittens' students shared their appreciation for all that she does for them. 

Dr. Edward Weiland

Director of Human Resources for the school system, Dr. Edward Weiland said selection for the award was "very difficult this year, because of the caliber of candidates". Weiland praised Gittens for being "very student-centered", adding "she's really there for these kids".

SMCBOE Vice Chairman, Cathy Allen

Cathy Allen, Vice Chairman of the SMC Board of Education, said, "The quality of a child's education is predicated on the teacher they have in front of them and there is no one better than Ms. Gittens." Allen said her students' success "tells the tale and shows why she was chosen [as teacher of the year]."

Gittens will represent the large St. Mary's County Public School System at the state level this summer.