SU Alumna Florence Named Washington Post Teacher of Year

SALISBURY, MD---Emily Johnson Florence, who earned her M.S. in school psychology at Salisbury University in 1984, was awarded recently The Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year Award for the Falls Church, VA, school system.

Florence was inspired to teach by the spirit of her fourth-grade teacher and the guidance of a high school teacher. She remembers most fondly the supportive faculty who were always available to affirm her decision and her ability to teach. She received her masters’ in school psychology to better interpret test scores and help integrate special needs students into the regular classroom environment. “Getting this award is pretty amazing. It validates what you are doing in a field that doesn’t often get accolades,” said Florence.

The Washington Post sponsors this highly competitive annual award for one teacher in each of the 19 school districts in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area who instills in students the desire to learn and achieve, understands the individual needs of the students and demonstrates a thorough knowledge of subject matter and the ability to share it effectively with students.

A native of Princess Anne, MD, Florence now resides in Chantilly, VA, with her husband, David, her daughter Maggie, 16, and her son Matthew, 13, and teaches the fourth-grade.

For more information, call 1-410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.