From Harford County Public Schools:
Christian S. Slattery, Sr., vocal music teacher at Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School, was selected by Interim State Superintendent of Schools Bernard J. Sadusky, Ed.D. as one of seven finalists in the state who will compete for the 2012 Maryland Teacher of the Year title.
The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from various Maryland educational organizations representing principals, teachers, boards of education, teacher unions, students, parents and higher education. Finalists were measured against a rigorous set of national criteria that included teaching philosophy, community involvement, knowledge of general education issues and suggestions for professional and instructional improvement. Each of the seven finalists, including Mr. Slattery, will participate in oral interviews with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) on Saturday, September 24, 2011.
“Mr. Slattery is dedicated to enriching the lives of each student that enters his classroom, and he is passionate about providing a positive learning experience for our students,” said Superintendent Robert M. Tomback. “He is the epitome of a talented and dedicated educator, and we are extremely proud to have him represent all Harford County teachers at the state level.”
A self-taught musician from the age of eight, Mr. Slattery later realized his fate was to share his passion of music with today’s youth. While studying at West Chester University, he became infatuated with elementary music teaching methods and how to intertwine music with general classroom curriculum. Today, he is an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher, having served in the field in Harford County for nine years, using creative tactics to integrate the music curriculum with general classroom studies on a daily basis. Mr. Slattery’s math songs and raps are well-known in the Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary community.
In 2008, Mr. Slattery was one of 80 teachers to receive the prestigious National Milken Educator’s Award. In addition, he was the first music teacher in Harford County to obtain National Board Certification. Mr. Slattery is currently working toward earning a Master of Arts in Leadership in Training from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. He graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education.
Since 2002, Mr. Slattery has been teaching vocal music at Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School. Throughout his career, he has developed innovative techniques in music integration, differentiated instruction and technology integration in the music classroom. He implemented a digital video portfolio assessment that demonstrates student growth over time in essential aspects of the Maryland State Music Curriculum. In addition to his role in the classroom, he serves on the School Improvement Team, the Harford County Elementary Music Curriculum Committee and the Harford County Music Program Committee. He has also mentored several student teachers as well as HCPS colleagues.
The 2011-12 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during the state gala reception and dinner at Martin’s West on Friday, October 14, 2011. The winner will receive cash awards, technology equipment, national travel opportunities and a new car valued at more than $25,000.
If selected as the state Teacher of the Year, Mr. Slattery will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year
award, announced in April 2011. Visit www.hcps.org for more information on 2011-12 HCPS Teacher of the Year and State Finalist, Mr. Christian S. Slattery, Sr.
An Aberdeen business owner says
Good luck Mr. Slattery!