One in Six Maryland Teachers of the Year Hail From SU

SALISBURY, MD---One in six of Maryland’s 24 teachers of the year in 2004 call Salisbury University their Alma Mater. They are Anne Ridley in Dorchester County, David Bender of Garrett County, April Tyler of Somerset County and Brian Raygor of Wicomico County. “Given that there are 23 institutions in the state that prepare teachers and 24 county districts, one of six is a good batting average,” said Dr. Dennis Pataniczek, dean of SU’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies. “This is a testimony to their superb professional skills, their efforts and their preparation. We are extremely proud that they are SU alums.” Ridley earned her Bachelor of Science in liberal studies from SU in 1987. She teaches music in grades one-five at Warwick Elementary School. Bender earned his Bachelor of Science in physical education from Salisbury in 1991. He teaches world history and government in grades 10-12 at Southern Garrett High School. Tyler earned her Bachelor of Science from the Seidel School in 1990 and her Master of Education from SU in 1999. She teaches fourth grade at Marion Sarah Peyton School. Raygor also earned his Master of Education from the Seidel School in 1999. He teaches biology in grades 9-10 at James M. Bennett High School. Other SU alumni have been honored for their leadership in education this year, as well. The Washington Post recognized Falls Church, Va., School System teacher Emily Johnson Florence (M.S. school psychology, 1984) as its 2004 Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year. The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals bestowed similarly high honors upon Dr. Carolyn Johnston (M.Ed. 1977), presenting the Fruitland Elementary School principal with the 2004 National Distinguished Principal Award. For more information call 410-546-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.