Berol Dewdney, a pre-kindergarten teacher at The Commodore John Rodgers School in the Baltimore City Public Schools System, has been named the 2023 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Dewdney was recognized for her outstanding contributions to education and her commitment to inspiring and educating the next generation of leaders.
“I am forever grateful for the honor and privilege it is to learn from their leadership and serve alongside their revolutionary power. As my pre-kindergarten students cheer daily, ‘We are ready to lead!’ Maryland will lead with love and build an equitable world that is worthy of our student’s greatness by elevating their leadership,” Dewdney said.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan congratulated Dewdney and commended Maryland’s teachers for their dedication to public service. “I want to congratulate Ms. Dewdney on this tremendous achievement along with the leadership, educators, and students at The Commodore John Rodgers School. Maryland’s teachers are among the best in the nation. They play a vital role in educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders, and I want to thank each and every one of them for their commitment to public service,” Hogan said.
Berol Dewdney, who has been an educator for 10 years with Baltimore City Schools, believes education should be rooted in love and the neuroscience of brain development. Commodore is part of the 100% Project, a school turnaround network that supports high-need schools in the district. Within the 100% Project network, Dewdney serves as the early childhood program lead, professional development fellow and instructional coach. As an early childhood program lead, she implemented a play-based curriculum Tools of the Mind for cognitive, social, and emotional growth in 25 district classrooms, and has raised $500,000 to support the program.
State Board President Clarence C. Crawford praised Dewdney and all of Maryland’s outstanding educators. “On behalf of the Maryland State Board of Education, I extend sincere congratulations to Ms. Dewdney and all of Maryland’s outstanding educators who are a true inspiration to their colleagues and students. Student achievement in Maryland begins with the dedicated teachers who are integral to ensuring our students receive a high-quality education and positive learning experiences,” Crawford said.
State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury added that teachers like Dewdney are essential in creating positive outcomes in school and life. “As an early childhood educator, Ms. Dewdney is setting the foundation for positive outcomes in school and life. On behalf of the Maryland State Department of Education, congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment and thank you for everything you are doing in helping us lead forward the Blueprint generation,” Choudhury said.
As 2023 Maryland Teacher of the Year, Berol Dewdney will now go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year award. Her recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of educators in Maryland and across the country who are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of their students.
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