Press Release

For Immediate Release
April 2010

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

  Samuel Ogle Middle School Teacher Roderick Mance
Selected as April Teacher of the Month

Mr. Mance was nominated by student and parent, Taylor and Andrea Bendlin. Their nomination describes him as a teacher who “truly cares about his students.”  Algebra is difficult for many students but Mr. Mance uses a “variety of techniques to help” them learn. Students assist other students until everyone understands the current topic, which increases their skills in many areas. “He cares about each individual child’s needs when determining the pace for the class.”

Mr. Mance encourages questions and is always willing to assist students. Students read about concepts and create questions about them. They share the questions with the class, thereby assisting them in being preparing for the related class discussion. He teaches by example, showing the work to his students, while solving problems. To share note-taking methods with his students, he shows them on a screen, which “helps hone our skills in these areas,” according to this student.

Not only does he create strong partnerships within his classes, he develops them with parents as well. He strongly encourages parent participation, communicating daily with students and parents “via his school notes website page.” Parents are able to check on what is being taught in class as well as what homework students will be working on. He has an “open door policy.”

According to Principal, Kathleen Brady, Mr. Mance is a “dynamic teacher whose mathematics content knowledge, instructional techniques, dedication and determination contribute to his overall success with students. He creates a structured learning environment within which his students thrive. It is exciting to see the academic growth our seventh graders achieve as a result of participating in the engaging mathematics lessons that Mr. Mance provides.”

Mr. Mance will be recognized by the Bowie City Council, at the City Council meeting on June 7th. 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. Kathleen 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 (“Search” for Teacher of the Month), 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.