Each year, we honor one of our many outstanding educators by naming a Teacher of the Year.
The BCPS Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee of administrators, teachers, students, and BCPS staff. Each BCPS school, program, and center can nominate one teacher for consideration.
From May 5, 2020
When Robert Runk started coaching his children in soccer, many parents asked if he was a teacher because of how well he communicated with the young players.
He was not. But the enjoyment he experienced from working with youth motivated him to get involved with public education – first as a substitute teacher, then as a paraeducator, and now, as a special education teacher focused in science and social studies. During his 17 years serving the Parkville Middle School community, he has also served as a student mentor. Runk has eagerly taken on so many roles, and now he has a new one to celebrate.
Runk, in his sixth year as a special educator, leads the mentorship program at Parkville Middle, which started as a lunch bunch for young male students who needed support. Now, it includes students in Grades 6, 7, and 8, both male and female.
“I often find it the most fulfilling part of being an educator,” Runk wrote in his BCPS Teacher of the Year application. “Having a strong person that builds relationships and cares can make all the difference in the world to these students.
Runk has served as an access point for the Maryland Food Bank at Parkville Middle. He also serves as a martial arts coach for Parkville Parks and Recreation. Runk earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in education from Walden University.
He is a Sparrows Point High graduate and resides in Lutherville.
Former Teachers of the Year
2019-2020
Kristen Nielsen, Crossroads Center
2018-2019
Brendan Penn, Lyons Mill Elementary School
2017-2018
Rebecca Eig, Owings Mills Elementary School
2016-2017
Corey Carter, Old Court Middle School
2015-2016
Orly Mondell, New Town High School
2014-2015
Anne Cross, Gunpowder Elementary School
2013-2014 and 2014 National and Maryland State Teacher of the Year
Sean McComb
2012-2013
Angela Rountree, Ridgely Middle School
2011-2012
Joshua Parker, Windsor Mill Middle School and Maryland State Teacher of the Year
2010-2011
Ralene Jacobson, Franklin Elementary School
2009-2010
Cecily Anderson, Catonsville Middle School
2008-2009
John Billingslea, Franklin High School
2007-2008
Robin August, Deep Creek Middle School
2006-2007
Michelle Lee Dressel, Loch Raven Academy
2005-2006
Jodi Grosser-Gonzalez, New Town High School
2004-2005
Sharon Grimes, Lansdowne Elementary School
2003-2004
Paul E. Winfield, Southwest Academy
2002-2003
Cheryl Bost, Mars Estates Elementary School
2001-2002
Christina Blackman, Music, Battle Monument School
2000-2001
Sarah Jeanne Sayles, Catonsville Middle School
1999-2000
Deborah McClintock, McCormick Elementary School
1998-1999
James Wharton, Catonsville High School
1997-1998
Diane Richmond, Owings Mills Elementary School
1996-1997
Susan Falcone, Loch Raven High School
1995-1996
Mary Boegner, Shady Spring Elementary School
1994-1995
Sally McNelis, Eastern Technical High School
1993-1994
Sheldon Lebowitz, Johnnycake Elementary School
1992-1993
Bonnie Block, Riverview Elementary School
1991-1992
Martie Noel, Essex Elementary School
1990-1991
Pat Shelton, Deep Creek Middle School
1989-1990
Bernice De Bels, Wellwood Elementary School
1988-1989
Kathy Corley, Lansdowne Middle School