2023 Teacher of the Year Finalists

The 2023 Teacher of the Year finalists, collectively known as the Summit Squad, began working together during the 2023-2024 school year with a goal of promoting the benefits of inclusion and literacy in education. From their experience in the classrooms of Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), they know first-hand the importance of a wide range of educational experiences and how beneficial it can be to provide mentorship and inspiration to students of all ages. As a part of their ongoing commitment to these goals, they have initiated a program that brings students together to guide and mentor one another from the elementary to the secondary level, called The Books That Bind Us. Through advocacy, leadership, and mentorship, the Summit Squad is shaping a fundamental aspect of the continued growth of HCPS' success. A summary of their efforts are outlined below.

The Books That Bind Us program, presented by the Summit Squad, brings high school students into nearby elementary classrooms to visit for an afternoon of bonding through stories chosen by their home school. One of the many goals of this program is to bring older mentor students into the lives of our youngest readers, to inspire them in their pursuit of learning. The Summit Squad hopes these valuable connections can instill lasting memories that promote an early interest in reading for our beginning readers as well as develop a sense of community pride and leadership skills in our high school students. All participating elementary school students receive a bookmark from their mentor reader, to guide them in their continuous reading journey.

Check out photos and video from the Books That Bind Us tour stops below:

Michele Barrie, Science Teacher

Michael Brogley, Social Sciences Teacher

Traci Frey, Fifth Grade Teacher

Susan Hoy, Science Teacher

Joshua Weeks, Science Teacher