Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Dr. Donna Hargens, and Chancellor of Education, Jim Sellinger, announced on May 3, during Teacher Appreciation Week, the 2022 Archdiocesan and Independent Catholic School Teachers of the Year, during surprise visits to each school. Kristin Urbanski, from St. Joseph School, Fullerton, was named Archdiocesan Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Anna O’Day, from St. Mary’s High School, was named Archdiocesan High School Teacher of the Year. Kevin Ford, from Calvert Hall College High School, was named Independent Catholic High School Teacher of the Year.
The Teacher of the Year recipients were selected by the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Teacher of the Year Committee, which included Department of Catholic Schools administrators and archdiocesan school board members. The committee selected Kristin Urbanski and Anna O’Day from 40 archdiocesan elementary and secondary Teacher of the Year nominees, all of whom were the recipients of their school’s 2022 Teacher of the Year award. Kevin Ford was selected from teachers nominated by principals of independent Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The committee’s decision was based on each nominee’s demonstration of Catholic identity, innovative instruction, professionalism, and leadership.
“Ms. Urbanski, Ms. O’Day, and Mr. Ford, set an example of teaching excellence among students and co-workers alike and epitomize what it means to be Catholic educator in the Archdiocese of Baltimore,” said Dr. Donna Hargens, Superintendent of Catholic Schools. “Each recipient of this award nurtures the gifts and talents of their students and are truly outstanding educators.”
About the 2022 Teacher of the Year Winners
Archdiocesan Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Ms. Urbanski has 11 years of teaching experience, and currently teaches third, fourth, and fifth grade English Language Arts at St. Joseph School in Fullerton. Mrs. Chrissie Ashby, Principal of St. Joseph School, Fullerton, describes Ms. Urbanski as “a wonderful example of what we look for in a Catholic educator and is a role model to all. She provides thoughtful, organized, and well-planned lessons that are implemented in a seamless way and directly connect to the curriculum while meeting the needs of her learners.”
Archdiocesan High School Teacher of the Year: Ms. Anna O’ Day has thirteen years of teaching experience in the archdiocese and currently teaches ninth through twelfth grade religion at St. Mary’s High School in Annapolis. Mrs. Mindi Imes, Principal of St. Mary’s High School describes Ms. O’ Day as “consistently collaborating with colleagues and school administration to further initiatives in academics, student life, and campus ministry. She integrates her Catholic faith into her teaching–not just as a Theology teacher but also as a mentor for her students and a vibrant part of our school family. She is an exemplary model of a Catholic educator!”
Independent Catholic High School Teacher of the Year: Mr. Kevin Ford has eleven years of teaching experience and currently teaches ninth through twelfth grade English Language Arts at Calvert Hall College High School. According to Mr. Chuck Stembler, Principal of Calvert Hall, “Mr. Ford is the epitome of an excellent educator. He demonstrates a high degree of pedagogical knowledge, a mastery of content, and a passion for English. For an untold number of students, their enduring memory of the school will be his impact on their lives. We are truly fortunate to have him as part of our community.”
The Department of Catholic Schools will recognize Ms. Urbanski, Ms. O’ Day, and Mr. Ford, along with the 2022 school-level Teacher of the Year winners, at the 2022 Convocation of Catholic Schools, on August 25, 2022 at the Church of the Nativity in Timonium.
About Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools: Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore provide a Christ-centered education that is academically excellent and empowers students to reach their full potential–spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially and morally. There are 40 archdiocesan Catholic schools located in nine jurisdictions though out Maryland, including the city and county of Baltimore. The 34 elementary schools and 6 high schools enroll almost 17,000 students and are vibrant communities of faith and learning. Independent Catholic Schools are privately owned, operated and incorporated. There are 12 Independent Catholic High schools in the archdiocese, located in four jurisdictions in Maryland, serving 6,486 students. All schools comply with applicable teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information on Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, please visit Archbalt.org/schools.
