Demonstration Teacher Initiative

overview
Demonstration teacher initiative

Overview

Early Childhood Demonstration Teachers model, promote, and share effective instructional practices that support the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children in Pre-K and kindergarten via in-class observations, recorded lessons, and other supports.

Early Childhood Demonstration Teachers were selected based on their excellence in teaching, pedagogy, and professionalism. These teacher leaders exemplify the vision of Office of Early Childhood Programs and through their work, promote equitable access to high quality instruction for all students in HCPSS Pre-K and kindergarten programs. Teachers, administrators, curricular support staff, paraeducators, and other stakeholders are invited to benefit from the expertise of these teachers.

Learn more about these teacher leaders by selecting Biographies.

Connect with them by selecting Scheduling and Contact Information.

For further information, please contact Amy Raymond, Coordinator, Office of Early Childhood Programs (email or x5659).

Biographies

Kim Deppen

Kindergarten Teacher, Veterans Elementary School

kim

My name is Kim Deppen. I have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University and a Master's degree in Reading Education from Loyola University. My entire teaching career has been with Howard County Public School System. I have been teaching in Howard County for 19 years. This will be my 16th year teaching Kindergarten; prior to that, I taught 2nd grade for three years.

I believe strongly in early intervention and the importance of a strong educational foundation for all students. I enjoy the collaboration between and home and school and recognize that a positive parent-teacher relationship is crucial in school success. I believe learning should be meaningful and engaging for all students and that ALL students can achieve.

Mission Statement

My mission as a kindergarten teacher is to provide an enthusiastic and safe learning environment in which ALL students feel motivated, respected, and successful. I strive to provide high expectations for my students and to instill a positive attitude towards learning.

Amy Lauer

Full Day Pre-K Teacher, Talbott Springs Elementary School

amy I have been teaching Pre-Kindergarten in Howard County for 18 years. Working in a Title 1 school has always been a pleasure to me; I have enjoyed working with staff and families to develop a Pre-Kindergarten program where the children and families are actively involved and feel welcome in the classroom.

I strongly believe that learning begins at home and that having a homes/school partnership is a vital component. It is my strongest belief that children need to be active participants in their learning and that this ownership is what helps to develop their interests, skills, and social/emotional resilience.

Mission Statement

My mission as a prekindergarten teacher is to develop a love of learning in the students that I work with. I believe that children need a strong social/emotional foundation in order to gain as much knowledge as possible from their learning. Classroom environment is where it all begins. Children need to feel safe, loved, heard, and able to take risks without the fear of judgement. When a sense of community is present so is great learning.

My Beliefs:

All children can and will learn; it’s my responsibility to find the strategies and activities that will lead them to success.
Teachers should provide opportunities for all students to grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally, and academically.
Family involvement is essential. When children see their family present and involved in school it reinforces that school is important.
I believe learning should be meaningful and should build connections to prior knowledge or experiences.

Jenny Markwood

Half Day Pre-K Teacher, Co-Taught Classroom, Bellows Springs Elementary School

jenny I have sixteen years of early childhood teaching experience, ranging from preschool to first grade. I especially enjoy watching my students grow during the year and seeing the pride they take in their accomplishments and the excitement they have for learning. I strive to get to know each of my students and their families and to work together to maximize their potential. I consider myself a lifelong learner and enjoy all opportunities to learn and try new ideas.

Mission Statement

I strive to motivate, inspire, encourage and support students in my Pre-K classroom by providing them with a safe, secure and loving environment that invites them to learn to take risks and grow independently as they develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills. My goal is to help students build a foundation for a life-long love of learning.

Scheduling and Contact Information

All Early Childhood Demonstration Teachers host visitors for classroom observation and debriefing. Visitors include teachers, administrators, curricular support staff, paraeducators, mentors, and other stakeholders. Please see below for further supports as well as contact information to begin the scheduling process.