Howard County Public School System Names 2018 Principal and Teacher of the Year

February 6th, 2018

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has named Hammond Elementary School Principal Kimberlyn Pratesi 2018 Principal of the Year and Lime Kiln Middle School Teacher Elizabeth Waltman 2018 Teacher of the Year.

“I am so proud of these educators and am excited to see them recognized,” said HCPSS Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “They have dedicated themselves to sharing their knowledge and their passion to create opportunities for students and staff. They continue to build relationships with their schools’ community to ensure the social-emotional well being of all students.”

Pratesi has served HCPSS students for 27 years as a teacher, instructional team leader, and assistant principal. She has been the principal of Hammond Elementary School since 2013.

Pratesi is being recognized for creating an atmosphere of engagement, positivity and inclusiveness among staff, students, parents and the community. She provides a safe, nurturing learning environment and has developed strategies to improve academic outcomes for students while strengthening relationships with stakeholders.

In her nomination letter, Instructional Facilitator Jessica Yaniro stated that Principal Pratesi maintains “a continuous dialogue between her students, parents and her staff. She is always striving to continue to develop this partnership with each stakeholder, ultimately ensuring that student safety, social-emotional well-being, and academic success for all are the central focus.”

Elizabeth Waltman has been teaching in Howard County since 2009. She has taught math at Lime Kiln Middle School since 2011 and is being honored for her ability to connect with students to create a nurturing and academically challenging atmosphere for learning.

In describing Waltman, Lime Kiln Assistant Principal Virginia Ober said, “Her high expectations promote a safe environment where students develop confidence in their abilities as they work hard and take pride in their learning.”

“Mrs. Waltman is a phenomenal teacher,” said a former student. “She made math easier to understand and far more enjoyable than I had previously experienced. She inspires her students to not only pass their tests, but to take pride in knowledge and to keep reaching for success.”

Pratesi and Waltman will serve as the Howard County nominees for the Washington Post Principal and Teacher of the Year. Waltman will be the Howard County nominee for Maryland State Teacher of the Year.