Press Release

For Immediate Release
January 22, 2010

Contact:
Leni Stern, Community Outreach Specialist             
301-809-3068
lstern@cityofbowie.org

Pedro Gonzalez, Spanish Teacher at Samuel Ogle Middle School Selected as Bowie’s January Teacher of the Month

Mr. Gonzalez “positively motivates his students to learn a foreign language.” His “dynamic and results- oriented personality drives his students to achieve.” His nomination, submitted by parent Michaele Angulo, elaborates on this teacher’s special qualities. He makes learning a foreign language “fun for his students,” creatively engaging them in activities that take learning the subject matter to a level that appeals to the students. He sees the best in students, teaching to their strengths and treating them with kindness and respect. He supports his students not only in the classroom, but also in their extra-curricular activities, attending sports events and competitions, cheering them on. He challenges students and encourages them to challenge themselves “in order to reach personal goals.”

A second nomination for Mr. Gonzalez came from student Elizabeth Voigt. She explains how this teacher was willing to take extra time with her when she entered his class two weeks after classes began, starting out behind in her work. “He makes Spanish fun,” with interesting activities, such as acting out plays in Spanish.

Kathleen Brady, Principal at Samuel Ogle Middle School feels that Mr. Gonzalez is an excellent choice for this recognition. “He is a dedicated professional who motivates his students to achieve at the highest level possible. Our students benefit from his experience and enthusiasm.”

Mr. Gonzalez will be recognized by the Bowie City Council, at the City Council meeting on February first. He will receive a certificate, a $100 U S Savings Bond, provided by funds from program partner BB&T Bank, and a very special lunch with his principal, Ms. Brady, provided by Main Street Caterers.

The Teacher of the Month program recognizes Bowie teachers for their teaching excellence, as well as for the “little things” which mean a lot to students, parents, and peers.  Nomination information is available on the City of Bowie web site, www.cityofbowie.org (under Government/City Committees/Education Committee), at eligible schools*or at the Department of Community Services at Bowie City Hall. For additional information, contact Education Committee liaison, Leni Stern, at lstern@cityofbowie.org or 301-809-3068.

* Eligible schools include Bowie and Tall Oaks High Schools; Benjamin Tasker and Samuel Ogle Middle Schools; St. Pius X, Grace Christian, Cornerstone Christian Academy, Holy Trinity (lower campus), Heather Hills, High Bridge, Kenilworth, Northview, Pointer Ridge, Rockledge, Tulip Grove, Whitehall and Yorktown Elementary Schools; Chapel Forge Early Childhood Center and C. Elizabeth Rieg Special Center.