Kristin Urbanski, Anna O’Day and Kevin Ford were named the 2022 Archdiocesan and Independent Catholic School Teachers of the Year May 3.
The awards winners were announced during surprise visits to their respective schools by Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. Donna Hargens and Chancellor of Education Jim Sellinger.
Urbanski, from St. Joseph School in Fullerton, was named Archdiocesan Elementary School Teacher of the Year. O’Day, from St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis, was named Archdiocesan High School Teacher of the Year. Ford, from Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, was named Independent Catholic High School Teacher of the Year.
The Teacher of the Year recipients were selected by the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Teacher of the Year Committee, which included Department of Catholic Schools administrators and archdiocesan school board members.
The committee selected Urbanski and O’Day from 40 archdiocesan elementary and secondary Teacher of the Year nominees, all of whom were the recipients of their school’s 2022 Teacher of the Year award. Ford was selected from teachers nominated by principals of independent Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The committee’s decision was based on each nominee’s demonstration of Catholic identity, innovative instruction, professionalism and leadership.
“Ms. Urbanski, Ms. O’Day and Mr. Ford set an example of teaching excellence among students and co-workers alike and epitomize what it means to be Catholic educator in the Archdiocese of Baltimore,” Hargens said in a May 3 news release. “Each recipient of this award nurtures the gifts and talents of their students and are truly outstanding educators.”
Urbanski has 11 years teaching experience, and currently teaches third, fourth and fifth grade English Language Arts at St. Joseph. Chrissie Ashby, principal of St. Joseph, described Urbanski as “a wonderful example of what we look for in a Catholic educator and is a role model to all. She provides thoughtful, organized, and well-planned lessons that are implemented in a seamless way and directly connect to the curriculum while meeting the needs of her learners.”
O’ Day has 13 years teaching experience in the archdiocese and teaches ninth through 12th grade religion at St. Mary’s. Mindi Imes, principal of St. Mary’s, described O’ Day as “consistently collaborating with colleagues and school administration to further initiatives in academics, student life, and campus ministry. She integrates her Catholic faith into her teaching – not just as a theology teacher but also as a mentor for her students and a vibrant part of our school family. She is an exemplary model of a Catholic educator!”
Ford has 11 years teaching experience and teaches ninth through 12th grade English language arts at Calvert Hall. According to Chuck Stembler, principal of Calvert Hall, “Mr. Ford is the epitome of an excellent educator. He demonstrates a high degree of pedagogical knowledge, a mastery of content, and a passion for English. For an untold number of students, their enduring memory of the school will be his impact on their lives. We are truly fortunate to have him as part of our community.”
The Department of Catholic Schools will recognize Urbanski, O’Day and Ford, along with the 2022 school-level Teacher of the Year winners, at the 2022 Convocation of Catholic Schools, Aug. 25 at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium.
There are 40 archdiocesan Catholic schools located in nine jurisdictions thoughout Maryland. The 34 elementary schools and six high schools enroll almost 17,000. Independent Catholic schools are privately owned, operated and incorporated. There are 12 Independent Catholic high schools in the archdiocese, located in four jurisdictions in Maryland, serving 6,486 students.
For more information on Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, visit archbalt.org/schools.
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