HCPSS Recognitions: Celebrating Excellence
HCPSS is proud to recognize and celebrate individuals and groups who go above and beyond to support the district in its efforts to become a great school system that inspires growth, well-being, and excellence for all. This recognition occurs in a variety of ways, including through several annual awards, described below.
District-Level Recognition
Teacher and Principal of the Year
The Principal of the Year Award seeks to recognize one’s ability to demonstrate highly effective leadership that fosters cooperation and dialogue between the school and community, maintain an exemplary commitment to instructional practices, and display continuous caring for student and staff well-being.
The Teacher of the Year Award seeks to recognize excellence in teaching, encourage creative and quality instruction, and contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education. HCPSS is very proud of its accomplished teachers and seeks to recognize the outstanding educators that make a difference in the lives of our students, staff and families. The Teacher of the Year program is implemented by the Department of Communications in partnership with Bright Minds Foundation.
Staff Excellence Award
HCPSS leaders surprise deserving staff by presenting them with a certificate and sharing a few words from the nominator’s submission. Staff are celebrated for achieving excellence in different areas including instruction, student support, community engagement, equity and inclusion, operations, innovation and more.
Sportsmanship Cup
The Sportsmanship Cup honors outstanding sportsmanship by a Howard County public high school. The award is given to the school that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity, models these qualities and positively influences the behavior of those around them.
Departmental Recognition
Music Educator of the Year
HCPSS’ Office of Music, in collaboration with Howard County Parents for School Music, awards “Music Educator of the Year” to a juried music teacher, recommended and endorsed by their school administration, students, and community.
School Counselor and Counseling Advocate of the Year
These awards are given in recognition of the positive and measurable impact that a school counselor and school counseling advocate have made in their school communities.
School Psychologist of the Year
This award is given to a school psychologist who demonstrates the highest level of professional practice and provides the full range of school psychological services.
English Language Development Teacher and Administrator of the Year
Winners of this award are selected based on the following criteria: Student Impact, Innovation and Creativity, Cultural Sensitivity, Collaboration, Professional Development, and Community Engagement.
Student Access and Achievement Liaison of the Year
This award honors a Student Access and Achievement Liaison who demonstrates exceptional leadership and a profound impact on their school community.
Community Recognition
Friends of Education Award
The Friends of Education Award recognizes an individual, business, or non-profit group, organization, or association for an innovative or unique contribution that directly supports the school system’s mission of ensuring academic success and social-emotional well-being for each student in an inclusive and nurturing environment that closes opportunity gaps.