Joppatowne’s Richardson is teacher of the year
Erica Richardson, a social sciences teacher at Joppatowne High School who is lauded as a leader in and out of the classroom, was named Harford County’s Teacher of the Year.
“I work with so many amazing educators each and every day, which inspires me to do the things that I do,” Richardson said. “I am extremely fortunate to also work in a district with people that are dedicated to the education of America’s future. “
Richardson and others who have had a positive impact on Harford County Public Schools students were honored Tuesday night at the Celebration of Excellence in Education event at Mountain Christian Church in Joppa.
Richardson is now eligible to be named the Maryland Teacher of the Year.
“Ms. Richardson is a leader in word and deed,” said Supervisor of Social Sciences Erin Lange, who nominated Richardson for the honor. “She is a champion for every student, a tireless leader of her teachers, and a vocal advocate for our school system.”
Richardson, 47, is a department chair, senior class adviser and a coordinator of the Homeland Security Program at Joppatowne. She has worked with Harford schools for 17 years, all at Joppatowne High.
She also is a member of the safety and security committee as well as the Middle States Council for
Social Studies, an organization that helps support social studies as a core discipline from kindergarten to grade 12 and beyond.
And if that’s not enough, Richardson coaches three athletic teams and launched a committee to support teachers.
“Not only does Ms. Richardson provide amazing and engaging learning opportunities in her classroom, but she also works
with hundreds of students outside the classroom — on the football field, on the basketball court, and on the track,” said Melissa Williams, Joppatowne High School principal. “She is not only an incredible and talented teacher but a compassionate person who will never hesitate to do whatever is needed to support students and staff.”
Richardson earned a bachelor’s and master’s
degree in secondary education from St. Thomas Aquinas College.
As Teacher of the Year, Richardson plans to connect with youth throughout the county.
“I look forward to meeting as many young scholars as possible,” Richardson said. “I would like to hear about their future plans. I look forward to working with my fellow Top 5 finalists, to help students achieve their goals.
We have incredibly talented students that have great ideas and are looking for a platform to share these ideas. I hope to be a voice for students and educators this year.”
In addition to the Teacher of the Year award, Harford County schools honored eight others for their contribution to the school system.
Ronald Wooden from Old Post Road Elementary School was named Principal of the year.
Tara Sample from Riverside Elementary School was named Assistant Principal of the Year.
Harvey Cage from Havre de Grace Middle School was named Custodian of the Year.
Donald Smacher, who is plumbing crew chief for facilities maintenance, was named Facility Worker of the Year.
Ann Garner, a satellite kitchen assistant for Emmorton Elementary School, was named Food and Nutrition Professional of the Year.
Todd Floros from the Office of Technology and Information Services was named Technology Professional of the Year.
Beth Lampieri, a paraeducator at Forest Hill Elementary School, was named Educational Support Professional of the Year.
The school system inducted Terri Wainwright into the HCPS Educator Hall of Fame. She worked for nearly 27 years in Harford schools, from 1977-1980, then again from 1988-2012, as an English teacher and a secondary mentor teacher.
“I am very proud of every person nominated for each of these recognitions,” Superintendent Sean Bulson said in a news release. “These eight individuals have dedicated their professional lives to the betterment and support of our students. They should be applauded for their dedication to the youngest residents of our county. They provide a shining example for all of us to follow.”