text: Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Awards: The Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Master Teacher Award recognizes three full-time teachers in kindergarten through Grade 12 who have a demonstrated record of promoting student success, such as closing the achievement gap. One of the Master Teacher Award winners is chosen as the MCPS Teacher of the Year and goes on to represent the school district as a contender for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year award and could become the National Teacher of the Year. One award winner will be named for each level: elementary, middle and high school. Deadline: No later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8.
  The Marian Greenblatt Excellence in Education Rising Star Teacher Award recognizes a first-, second-, third- or fourth-year full-time teacher in kindergarten through Grade 12 who has a demonstrated record of promoting student success. The teacher contributes to a professional learning community of students, staff, parents and community. Deadline: No later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan.8.
  The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award: The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a full-time teacher in prekindergarten through Grade 12 who instills in students a desire to learn and achieve. Each nominee must have a minimum of five years teaching experience, three of which must be in MCPS. This teacher also must understand the individual needs of students, encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem. He or she will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter and possess the ability to share it effectively with students. The nominee fosters cooperative relationships with his/her colleagues and the community and demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. The winner will receive a trophy, $7,500 monetary award and a profile in the Washington Post. Deadline: No later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8.
  The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award: This award recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. In presenting these awards, The Washington Post Company Educational Foundation hopes to encourage excellence in school leadership and contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education in the Washington metropolitan area. Nominations may be submitted by teachers, students, former students, parents, administrators or the general public. The winner will receive a trophy, $7,500 monetary award and a profile in The Washington Post. Deadline: No later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8.
  The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award: The Shirley J. Lowrie "Thank You for Teaching" Award honors extraordinary elementary school teachers who have a deep dedication to the teaching profession. These elementary school teachers, prekindergarten through Grade 5, must work directly with students in the classroom on a daily basis, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter, and effectively communicate that subject matter to students. The nominee should be a teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed. Deadline: No later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8.
  The Superintendent's Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award: Established in 1991, this award honors MCPS principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. These qualities were exemplified by Mark Mann, a former principal of Parkland Junior High School, who died in 1988. Nominations made in previous years may be resubmitted. Deadline: No later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8.
  Supporting Service Employee of the Year: This award is given to a supporting services employee who has made an outstanding contribution to MCPS.
  SEIU Local 500 and the Montgomery Business Roundtable for Education (MCBRE) established the award. The winning employee must exemplify the motto, "Education Works Because We Do." Nominees must be permanent employees and have at least three years of service with MCPS. Nominations will be judged on a variety of criteria, including initiative, creativity and dedication; contributions to students, staff and/or the broader community; respect and admiration; leadership; professional development, and interpersonal skills.
  The recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award. In addition, MCBRE will donate $1,000 to an MCPS school selected by the winner of the award. The winner will be announced and honored during the Champions for Children gala next spring. Deadline: 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.