MDCSS is Proud to Announce the Winners of the 2025 Social Studies Professional Awards!
Accolades for the 2025 Award Winners
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Angie de Guzman
Ebb Valley Elementary School
Carroll County Public Schools
As a dedicated educator, Angela de Guzman has spent her career fostering critical thinking, student empowerment, and a love for learning. After years of teaching in Baltimore and leading at the Maryland State Department of Education, she brought her expertise to Ebb Valley Elementary in Carroll County, where she continues to create a collaborative and supportive classroom environment. Passionate about social studies, Angela engages students with primary sources and first-hand accounts from early settlers to the Revolutionary War, helping them develop historical perspectives and a deeper understanding of the past. She recognizes that social studies not only builds critical thinking skills but also strengthens reading and writing abilities. With a commitment to curriculum development and instructional leadership, Angela has contributed to school-wide initiatives, mentored new teachers, and facilitated professional learning for educators. Her dedication to shaping well-rounded students extends beyond academics, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Angie De Guzman is the consummate professional. Her classroom instruction is engaging as she takes great pride in providing high quality instruction for all students. To extend her curriculum, Angie and her grade level team take all 4th graders to Philadelphia to support their study of the American Revolution. She is excellent with the integration of technology, has a strong understanding of the science of reading, and is creative in her approach.
Bruce Lesh
Supervisor of Elementary Social Studies
Carroll County Public Schools
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Dawn Jester
North Harford Middle School
Harford County Public Schools
Dawn is invested in her students and profession on a daily basis. She collaborates with colleagues to create lesson plans that meet the learning needs of a heterogeneous grouping of students. This includes students with enhanced intellectual curiosity and some who have profound handicaps. In all cases, she uses her knowledge and skills to develop learning experiences that challenge all students.
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George Toepfer
Director of Teacher Education
Maryland Council on Economic Education
Dawn Jester is a seasoned educator from Edgewood, Maryland, with bachelor's and master's degrees in social sciences from John Hopkins University. She began her teaching career at North Harford High School, where she taught various subjects and served as Social Studies Department Chair. After 11 years, she became a Curriculum Specialist for Harford County Public Schools, collaborating with teachers and delivering professional development. Currently, Dawn teaches 6th grade Human Geography at North Harford Middle School and has contributed to social studies curriculum development for over 20 years, emphasizing critical thinking and student engagement in democracy.
Promising New Social Studies
Teacher of the Year
Mitchel Agate
Leith Walk Elementary/Middle School
Baltimore City Public Schools
Mitchel Agate is a dynamic and dedicated 8th grade Social Studies teacher who brings immense value to his students and the school community. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, making him a pivotal figure in various extracurricular and professional development activities. Michel co-leads the Student Government Association (SGA), actively participating in activities that often take place after school and on weekends. His dedication is unwavering, ensuring that students have enriching experiences through SGA. In addition, He was selected for the prestigious James Madison Legacy Project, which aims to enhance civics education through professional learning. Mr. Agate also participates in the I CIVICS - BMORE ME pilot curriculum, which seeks to develop young historians, storytellers, advocates, and leaders in Baltimore City. In addition to his teaching and curriculum development roles, Mr. Agate serves as a judge for mock Congressional hearings for the state of Maryland and leads the National History Day Club, an after-school program that encourages students to engage deeply with historical research and presentations.
Currently, Mr. Agate is also in the nomination process for the George Washington Teacher Institute, further demonstrating his exceptional commitment to advancing social studies education in Maryland.
There are so many positive professional qualities that Mr. Agate possesses. Mr. Agate is hard working, innovative, and always looking to learn new things and better his practices. Mr. Agate is dependable, committed, and a great servant to his students and school community. We are honored to have him on our staff at Leith Walk and are so excited for his future as an educator. He is going to do amazing things!
Jeana Patti
Director of School Operations
Leith Walk Elementary/Middle
Baltimore City Public Schools
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Ashanti Chambers
Principal
Leith Walk Elementary/Middle
Baltimore City Public Schools
Mr. Agate exemplifies professionalism through their unwavering dedication, innovative approach to education, and ability to inspire both students and colleagues. They consistently demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and a passion for fostering academic excellence. Their commitment to lifelong learning and inclusivity makes them a respected role model in the field of social studies education.
Mr. Agate has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to our school community and has been a pivotal contributor to the success of our Social Studies program. Through engaging and thoughtful lesson planning, he fosters a deep understanding of history, civics, and the world around us, encouraging students to think critically and make meaningful connections to their lives. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Agate actively collaborates with colleagues, sharing innovative strategies and resources that enhance the overall learning experience. His commitment to nurturing a well-rounded, informed community of learners makes him an invaluable asset to our school.
Aisha Richards
Literacy/Social Studies Lead
Leith Walk Elementary/Middle
Baltimore City Public Schools
I wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and care that Mr. Agate brings to his role as an educator. He consistently goes above and beyond to support student learning, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their success. Mr. Agate deeply cares for his students, not only academically but in all aspects of their growth. His passion for teaching and his belief in his students' potential inspire them to excel and reach new heights. We are truly fortunate to have someone like Mr. Agate on our team, and his positive impact does not go unnoticed.
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Alita L. Walker
Educational Associate
Leith Walk Elementary/Middle
Baltimore City Public Schools
Selected & Conferred by
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Meade High School
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Victoria Grier
Civic Leader of the Year
Victoria Grier is a dedicated educator who goes above and beyond to connect students with meaningful civic engagement opportunities. Through her work with the IB Personal Project, she helps students explore issues they care about while making a real impact in their communities. She fosters strong teacher-student relationships to support these projects, ensuring students have the guidance needed to turn their ideas into action.
Victoria also plays a key role in helping students fulfill their service-learning graduation requirement, emphasizing service as an extension of their learning. Her commitment to equity and student empowerment is especially impactful for her diverse student population, including many military-connected students. By integrating civic engagement into her curriculum, she helps students develop research, advocacy, and leadership skills that will serve them well beyond high school. Her dedication makes her an outstanding candidate for Civic Educator of the Year.
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Lori Fowler
Manager of Service Learning
Anne Arundel Public Schools
​Victoria Grier is a dedicated educator at Meade High School in Anne Arundel County, where she emphasizes the vital link between service and civic duty. With a deep passion for teaching civics, she believes it is the most important course a student can take, viewing it as her responsibility to prepare students for lifelong civic engagement. In addition to her teaching, she leads the school’s IB MYP Personal Project, which focuses on student-driven service and passion. Outside the classroom, Victoria performs professionally as a violinist throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Ashley Curtin is the Lead Teacher for the Re-Imagining Student Engagement (RISE) Project-Based Learning Program under Career & Technical Education at Calvert County Public Schools. Previously, she taught 7th Grade World Geography and 8th Grade US History while also serving as the History Fair Coordinator at Southern Middle School (CCPS). Before moving to Maryland, Ashley served as the RtI & 504 Coordinator at Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School in Central Illinois. Ashley graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelors of Arts and Master of Arts in International Affairs. She began her career in education as an AmeriCorps VOCAL Literacy Volunteer on Chicago's South Side. Ashley went on to serve as an educational non-profit professional in Adult Literacy and School-Based Mentoring programs. While pursuing her Teacher Certification from Illinois State University, Ashley also taught GED and Adult Basic Education classes at Heartland Community College.
Allison Curtin (No relation to recipient)
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Mill Creek Middle School
Calvert County Public Schools
Social Studies Instructional
Leader of the Year
Ashley Curtin
Calvert County Public Schools
Dedication is a hallmark of Ashley's approach. She maintains a laser-like focus on achieving both individual and collective goals, creating a structured and motivating atmosphere for her students. This dedication not only inspires students but also sets a strong example of perseverance and hard work. Curiosity is another defining quality of Mrs. Curtin. They possess a keen observational skill that allows them to identify areas of improvement and engage deeply with their students' learning processes. By asking thoughtful questions, she fosters an environment of inquiry and exploration, encouraging students to think critically and develop their own understanding. In addition to fostering student growth, Ashley has also nurtured a supportive community among the cohort members. Ashley has led multiple cohorts of educators through PBL training and worked with them as a thought partner. She facilitate peer feedback and reflection, encouraging teachers to learn from one another and celebrate their successes together. This sense of camaraderie enhances the learning experience and builds lasting relationships among colleagues.
Outstanding Professional at a Social Studies-Related Organization
Terry Taylor
Education Programs Manager
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
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Ms. Taylor has always been an enthusiastic collaborator, finding creative learning opportunities with her colleagues and external partners. She has become a trusted, knowledgeable advocate for the state's African American history and culture.
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David Armenti
Vice President of Education and Engagement
Maryland Center for History & Culture
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Terry Taylor is a dedicated and experienced education professional who has been a vital part of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for nearly two decades. For nearly 2 decades she has been central to the museum's educational mission to share the state's rich African American history and culture. In her role, she has consistently provided high-quality learning experiences to K-12 students and educators, focusing on Maryland's African American history and culture.
Terry has developed innovative gallery learning opportunities and coordinated outreach with partner institutions, schools, and various groups, ensuring that the museum's educational programs are engaging and impactful. Her dedication to education and community outreach has made her an invaluable asset to the museum and the broader educational community.