Monocacy Middle School science teacher Andrea Maruskin
is the Frederick County Public Schools 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Maruskin earned her B.S. in education from Bowling Green State University and her M.S. in math and science education from Johns Hopkins University. She began her teaching career in Montgomery County in 1989, and moved to Frederick County Public Schools in 2005, first teaching at Whittier Elementary and since 2007 teaching 6th and 7th grade science at Monocacy Middle. She has received nominations for Business Week Magazine’s Award for Innovation in Education, the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award, the Presidential Award of Excellence in Science and Math Teaching, and the National Sallie Mae Outstanding First-Year Teacher Award.
As her school’s STEM teacher leader, Mrs. Maruskin has brought science professionals ranging from Army surgeons to astronauts to Monocacy Middle as part of STEM Career Week, implemented a Science Fair Club that pairs NCI scientists with students, and established a Science Olympiad Team. She also writes curriculum, labs and lessons with Discovery Communications and IMAX.
The application package included many examples of her special gifts and how she leaves a lasting impression on her young students. Principal Everett Warren says, “On visiting her classroom you can see each day the active involvement of students…There is the sense that she expects nothing but the best from each and every one of her students.”
The Maryland Board of Education will honor Mrs. Maruskin and the winners from Maryland’s 23 other school districts at a state board meeting on May 25 and at a state-wide gala on October 14 at Martin’s West, Baltimore. Of the 24 local Teachers of the Year, one will be selected the Maryland Teacher of the Year and that individual will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year award.
