Northeast High Teacher in the Running for Teacher of the Year

Northeast High Schools' Danny Imwold may be the next Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year when the accolade is awarded on March 29 at the BWI Marriott in Linthicum where the finalists will be interviewed by a panel of educators, administrators, students and business leaders. The winner will proceed to represent Anne Arundel County at the state Teacher of the Year competition later this year.

Imwold teaches Science, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Biology and Marine Biology.

"I felt very honored and humbled," said Imwold regarding his nomination and eventual selection as a finalist. "'Why me?' I thought."

Other finalists include Laura Groo of Southern Middle School, Courtney Hoffberger of Arundel High School, Deborah Marcus of Marley Glen Special School and Jennifer Schnepp of Piney Orchard Elementary School.

The process for nomination included a recommendation from the school's administrator. Semifinalists write a series of essays, while finalists are interviewed by representatives from organizations including the Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce and Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

"I have a very good rapport with my students," said Imwold. "I get very involved in the school - I'm involved in four clubs and I'm taking a group of students to Costa Rica this coming summer."

Imwold added that some students would sign-up for classes solely because he was teaching them.

"Teaching wasn't what I wanted to do nor what I went to school for," he said. "But I've always liked working with kids and thought I'd like to try teaching."

Seven years later, Imwold says he's never looked back.

"This is the hardest job I've ever had and I'll argue that point with anybody, but it's also the most rewarding job I've ever had," he said.

Tickets for the March 29 event are $40 each and can be purchased online at www.aaaccc.com or by calling 410-266-3960.