Talbot Co. Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year announced
Orellana (left) and Spies
EASTON, Md. – Talbot County Public Schools have announced the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year.
The winners were announced at a celebration held at Easton Elementary School.
Easton Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Katie Spies was announced as the Talbot Teacher of the Year. She has taught at the school since 2015 and previously taught in Anne Arundel County. Mrs. Spies has held many leadership roles, including the Social Studies Curriculum Review Committee, Kindergarten Math Committee, School Based Literacy Team, and Primary Talent Development for TCPS Gifted and Talented. Additionally, she has served as both Lead Teacher and Mentor Teacher, and presented development sessions for her fellow educators on subjects such as Early Childhood Resources, Rethinking Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Virtual Learning. She has served the community coaching youth swim and field hockey teams, and lives in Cordova with her husband and four daughters.
“Katie Spies is an inspired, innovative educator who has a gift for helping all students reach their ultimate potential,” said Dr. Lisa Devaric, Easton Elementary School Principal. “I am so proud and happy to see her receive this recognition for her work as a valued member of our team at Easton Elementary School.”
The 2022-2023 Support Staff of the Year winner is Berenice Orellana, Easton High School Multilingual Family Liason. Orellana joined the TCPS team in 2017 to assist and facilitate communication between staff, students, and parents of students who are English Language Learners. She monitors students’ academic progress and ensures they stay on track for graduation. Additionally, she provides interpretation services for parent communications and conferences, translates and administers assignments and assessments, serves as an instructional assistant, assists student services with home visits and addressing attendance issues, and collaborates with local partners to fulfill student needs. She currently serves on the Board of Talbot Family Network and the Talbot County Public Schools Education Foundation. She has been a member of the Department of Social Services Advisory Board and the Child Advocacy Center Board. She is also a volunteer with CarePacks. Orellana lives in Easton with her husband and three daughters.
“Mrs. Orellana truly goes above and beyond to serve the students of EHS, particularly our ELL students and their families,” said Ms. Sherry Spurry, Easton High Principal. “She works tirelessly on their behalf and is respected and appreciated by our entire school community, and we congratulate her on this award.”
