Teacher Of The Year Gives Eloquent Advice To Prospective Educators
Jody Zepp, 2015 Maryland Teacher of the Year and recipient of the 2014 Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award for Howard County, currently teaches psychology and government at Hammond High School in Columbia, MD. Zepp graduated from McDaniel College with a B.A. in political science, and she has an M.A. from the Maxwell School of Public Affairs, Syracuse University in political science.
What inspired you to enter teaching?
"I come from a long line of educators who have inspired me. In the mid-1960's, I learned about racism and intolerance when my father, a professor, helped integrate Carroll County when the Colts threatened to leave Western Maryland College (now McDaniel) where they were training. The subsequent events, very difficult for my family, made a tremendous impact on me and instilled in me a desire to serve and guided me ultimately to political science and psychology as my focus of study. The experiences made me who I am, as a person and as a teacher."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"My interdisciplinary degrees in political science with a minor in psychology have afforded me the training and ability to teach so we all learn and progress forward with a sense of accomplishment."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"First, that I have been able to represent Maryland teachers. I enjoy speaking to new graduates across the state. Secondly, I am pleased that enrollment in my advanced placement courses has increased and reflects the diversity of Howard County. Testing scores have also improved and are especially evident for minority students."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into teaching?
"Teaching is not about us. It's not, 'What am I going to do today?' It's, 'What are the students going to learn today?' You are the best app your students could ever have in the classroom. Believe in learning for all students. Academic degrees are necessary for teaching, but they are insufficient for meeting the problems many students bring into the classroom every day. Teaching, therefore, requires belief. John Stuart Mill claims that 'One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine who have only interests.' I invite newcomers to be the believers."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
