Outstanding staff members were honored Jan. 14 by the Board of Education during its meeting. Among those recognized were Kathryn Defayette of Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School, Amanda Hastings of Henry E. Lackey High School, Elaina Malone of John Hanson Middle School, Tamala Queen of C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School and Susan Thacker of T.C. Martin Elementary School.

Defayette, a fifth-grade teacher, came to Dr. Brown as a general education teacher after having previously worked for Prince George’s County Public Schools as a special education teacher. At Brown, she transitioned into teaching math intervention. “The shift allowed me to focus on helping students not only build their mathematical skills but also develop confidence and enthusiasm for the subject,” Defayette said. While improving test scores are important, the best part of the job is seeing students grasp math concepts and become collaborative problem solvers, she said. Defayette is in the process of earning National Board Certification and is a member of Dr. Brown’s professional leadership team.

At Lackey, Hastings is not simply a science teacher. Her responsibilities extend beyond her chemistry classroom. She is the Environmental Club sponsor and shares with students and staff ways to be better stewards of the environment. She directs the school’s a cappella group and works with the drama department. When the school was absent a drama teacher, Hastings stepped in to produce and direct the spring musical. “Our students, particularly our seniors, would have missed out on their final performance of their high school career had Ms. Hastings not stepped up to produce the show,” Lackey Principal Cheryl K. Davis said. Hastings helped during the fall production of “Alice in Wonderland,” and when the drama teacher had to take a leave of absence, Hastings again took the helm. “Ms. Hastings did not miss a beat,” Davis said. “Ms. Hastings did all of this while maintaining her rigorous chemistry classroom instruction.” This past summer, Hastings attended the Advanced Via Individual Determination (AVID) conference, earned her certification in theater and worked in community and CCPS summer productions.

As a physical education and health teacher, Malone advocates for health and wellness education at Hanson and in the community. “Her commitment to student and staff well-being is evident through initiatives like the school garden, physical activity break boxes for teachers and promoting Mental Health Awareness Month,” Hanson Principal Ben Kohlhorst said. Malone coaches the girls track team and manages schedules, orders equipment and ensures the health rooms are used effectively. She has written PE and health curriculum and served at Hanson’s coordinator for its Student Service Learning program. In 2023, Malone received the Simon McNeely Award from the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) of Maryland. The award honors PE teachers who show leadership and innovative teaching practices.

Queen has been a welcoming face at Barnhart for nearly a decade. As the school’s registration secretary, she is often the first person to greet students and their families each day and sets a positive tone. Queen can be counted on to address parent concerns and tend to student needs.  “Ms. Queen’s steadfast commitment and unwavering consistency make her an invaluable member of our team,” Barnhart Principal Carrie Burke said. “Her contributions extend far beyond her role, as she serves as a cornerstone of the Barnhart experience, ensuring that everyone feels supported and cared for.” Queen is organized and called on to take care of issues beyond registration. She answers calls, monitors visitors and ensures school events are kept on schedule. “She takes pride in making sure that our school runs smoothly,” Burke said.

As one of Martin’s veteran teachers, Thacker provides instructional and behavior strategies to new teachers while making sure her fifth-grade students are achieving and succeeding. Setting high expectations for her students, Thacker’s class was recognized for the large number of students who met or exceeded their typical and stretch grown in the i-Ready math. She has been at Martin for more than six years and has been a team leader for the past three providing support, guidance and leadership to the fifth-grade team. She was among Martin staff who helped craft its school improvement plan and she isn’t afraid to implement new strategies and initiatives if they will benefit students. “Mrs. Thacker is a highly motivated teacher,” Martin Principal Ethel Hosendorf said, adding that Thacker arrives at school hours before the day starts to prepare. “She comes prepared for instructional planning and engages in professional learning.”

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,765 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.  CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).