If it takes a village to help raise a child, that village must include great teachers. Baltimore County Public Schools is proud of the quality and dedication of its teachers and is pleased to share some of their recent achievements.

BCPS Teacher of the Year 2006-2007:

Michelle Lee Dressel
In honoring an outstanding educator each year, Baltimore County Public Schools celebrates all 8,000 teachers who make a positive difference in the lives of our students.

A lifelong Baltimore County resident and graduate of Baltimore County Public Schools, Michelle Lee Dressel has taught in the school system since 1993, beginning as a social studies, math, and wellness teacher at Deer Park Middle Magnet School. She has taught eighth grade social studies and has been social studies department chairperson at Loch Raven Academy since 1997. She holds a master’s degree in leadership in teaching with a technology concentration.

To “hook” students into her lessons, Michelle has become well known for her expertise in using technology. Through the use of simulation software, Michelle’s students journey back in time and can experience the impact of decisions made and paths not taken.
Dressel has contributed to the development of countywide social studies, magnet, and technology curricula, and she was selected to premiere the new statewide African American history curriculum. She has also modeled instruction for the Center for Women and Information Technology. This model is used by teachers across the nation to motivate girls to explore technology careers.

In addition, Dressel has coached her students to become countywide and statewide winners in History Day and Black Saga competitions. She explains that taking a multicultural perspective allows students to “see themselves in the learning. ” She writes that when students ask her why they need to learn history. Her answer is “because you are in it.”

In addition to the title and a plaque, the county’s Teacher of the Year is awarded the use of a new Toyota Yaris for a year, courtesy of the Baltimore Area Toyota Dealers, a longtime Teacher of the Year program partner. For the 10th year in a row, Comcast Cable presented a $1,000 check towards the purchase of a laptop computer for the Teacher of the Year. The Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO) also honored Dressel with several gifts.

For more information on the BCPS and Maryland State Department of Education Teacher of the Year programs, please visit: www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/programs/recognition-partnerships.

<< For a list of BCPS Teachers of the Year since 1988, please click here >>

 

The Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Communications is always eager to hear about and promote good news about the system, schools, students, teachers, and staff. Please share achievements and good news by e-mailing communications@bcps.org. Every year, we celebrate BCPS achievements through Board of Education Recognition ceremonies (November, February, and April), Maryland State Department of Education School Achievement Celebration (January/February), Teacher of the Year (May), and the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce Awards for Excellence in Education (May).