For Immediate Release
March 24, 2008
Contact: Leni Stern
Community Outreach Specialist
301-809-3068
lstern@cityofbowie.org

Subject: March 2008 Teacher of the Month
Anne James, Yorktown Elementary School

The Education Committee has selected Yorktown Elementary School’s Anne James, as Teacher of the Month for March. Ms. James’ students come from all over the world; often leaving behind everything they are familiar with, friends, food, music, often family and language, as she is the school’s English Speakers of Other Languages, or ESOL teacher. She takes a special interest in each of her students, and how to best assist them in learning about their new lives in this country and how to become successful citizens.

Ms. James in services other teachers on including students into their classrooms, and supports teachers in helping students make progress in English and other subjects. “Wearing a constant welcoming smile,” she welcomes every child who comes through her door, no matter what age, grade, skills or abilities. Her fellow staff members nominated her to be Teacher of the Month for all of these reasons and many more, including greeting new students first thing in the morning and helping them to smoothly transition into their classrooms, and advocating for children needing additional services, whenever available.

Ms. James mentors university or Maryland student interns, and has participated in the Maryland Artist Teacher Institute during the summer. She “always chooses to work along side other staff members on committees to improve our school,” with activities such as the Environmental Committee, Career Day, International Night and their Character Education program, “Community of Caring.”

Somehow she manages to meet with all 53 ESOL students every day, according to Ms. Posko, Principal at Yorktown Elementary School. Ms. James “collaborates with classroom teachers to make sure her students are able to access the rigorous county curriculum from Kindergarten through 5h grade,” and “she does all of this with a smile. Her students love working with her and she is able to provide the staff with guidance on cultural accommodations that the students may need.” Her “positive outlook” is “greatly appreciated at Yorktown.”

Bowie City Council will recognize Ms. Anne James as Teacher of the Month at the City Council Meeting on April 21st, at 8pm. She will receive a certificate of recognition and a $100 United States Savings Bond, for which funding is provided by program partner, the BB& T Bank. Ms. James and Principal Linda Posko will enjoy a special lunch together, with their gourmet “lunch box” provided by the program’s other partner 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, 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.