Bel Air Middle School Teacher Rebecca Gault Named Semi-Finalist for National Teaching Hall of Fame

From Harford County Public Schools:
Submitted by Bel Air Middle School Principal Sean Abel, Ed.D.

Ms. Rebecca Gault was recently notified that she is one of twenty semi-finalists for the National Teaching Hall of Fame (NTHF) located in Emporia, Kansas. The goal of the NTHF is to support extraordinary teachers, inspire young adults to consider a career in teaching, and honor all those who positively influence the lives of children.

Rebecca Gault has dedicated the last 22 years to Harford County Public Schools as a teacher, author, mentor, literacy leader, and volunteer. Ms. Gault earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English (1990), Master of Arts in Teaching (1991), Master of Science in Professional Writing (1997), and certification in Administration and Certification (2003), all from Towson University.

A published author, Ms. Gault has written eight books on topics related to literacy for K-12 educators. Her most recent book, entitled Highly Effective Strategies to Help Your Struggling Students Meet the Common Core State Literacy Standards, offers innovative literacy strategies to inspire teachers across the curriculum. Over the course of her career, Ms. Gault has served the profession as a national consultant, presenting to over 20,000 educators in twenty-seven states on issues related to literacy, intervention, school improvement, and standards-based instruction.

Ms. Gault has been selected by the Maryland State Department of Education to be a Master Teacher and lead professional development initiatives regarding the Common Core standards across the state. Within the county, she has given numerous workshops, written curriculum, taught summer school for struggling students, taught satellite classes for local universities, and facilitated inservice courses for teachers. Nationally Board Certified, Ms. Gault regularly dedicates her time to mentor other teachers in the system also seeking certification.

At Bel Air Middle, Ms. Gault’s dedication is exemplary. She serves as the Language Arts Department Chair, School Improvement Team Facilitator, Professional Development School Coordinator, and Instructional Leadership Team member, all roles in which she has served for at least the past ten years. Dr. Abel, principal at BAMS, writes, “Ms. Gault’s content knowledge expertise, pedagogical skill, and relationship-building ability are second-to-none.”

One of her most significant contributions to BAMS is a job-embedded professional development program which she created collaboratively with three other colleagues. Nancy Reynolds, former principal and currently Vice-President of the Board of Education, writes, “Rebecca’s efforts in this area were visionary as she consistently read the latest research, designed data collection instruments, wrote model lessons, and implemented outstanding workshops on a weekly basis for all of our teachers.”

Melissa Mickey, principal at Magnolia Middle, former colleague and current parent writes, “Ms. Gault brings a rare combination of talents to the education profession. She is a model of dedication and lifelong learning who serves as an inspiration for her students and colleagues.”

Christina O’Neill, Harford County Teacher of the Year, writes, “Ms. Gault is a master teacher with a global understanding of curriculum and an unshakable belief in the art, the beauty, and the power of the teaching profession.”

Pat Ritz, BAMS Math Department Chair, writes, “Ms. Gault exemplifies moral leadership. Who she is as a teacher and leader cannot be separated from who she is as a person. I know that her strong moral character has always translated into leadership that is transformational, invigorating, and deeply rooted in sound and successful practices.”

When she isn’t teaching and providing support to colleagues, she is engaged in a variety of community service initiatives sponsored by her team and school: participating in the American Heart Association’s Hoops for Heart Program; raising money and gathering resources for the Harford Family House and adopted families; and gathering books for underprivileged and neglected children. With her own children, she is an active member of her church, advocate for the Spousal Abuse and Resource Center, and volunteer at local nursing homes.

Congratulations to Ms. Gault for her contributions to our county and her representation of our outstanding teachers.