File:Teacher, Scott Strait, Teacher of the Year, with Scarlet 7 and Ive 8, May 2016 from Frederick News Post.jpg

Brunswick School: Brunswick Middle School

Photo by Frederick News Post Staff photographer Dan Gross Brunswick Middle School celebrates county's newest teacher of the year By Patti Borda Mullins, Frederick News Post Eighth-graders on their way to lunch at Brunswick Middle School on Monday lifted their faces to the large sign in the cafeteria and grew excited about the secret to be announced to history teacher Scott Strait. The social studies teacher is Frederick County Public Schools’ newest teacher of the year. Strait’s hands covered his face with surprise when he discovered the real reason he had been summoned to the cafeteria. It was not, as Principal Barbara Keiling had told him, because something had gone awry with the tests he administered that morning: Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or PARCC. “It feels wonderful,” he said as he reflected on the honor. Cheers from students, staff and administrators filled the room when Strait appeared. His family hugged him: Strait’s parents, Judy and Tom; his wife, Kristina; and two daughters, Ivy, 8, and Scarlett, 7. County Superintendent Terry Alban said before her remarks that one quality that sets Strait apart is his commitment to looking at new ways to engage and inspire students. “He understands there’s only so much you can do in the classroom,” she said. For example, she said, in 2008, Strait and teacher Bill Groff started a history program unique to Brunswick. Spirit of America Day has brought re-enactors, veterans, war survivors, internment camp survivors, and historic and cultural artifacts to the school. Classes visit different re-enactment and history stations during their various periods for what becomes an in-house field trip one day each year. “History definitely comes alive at Brunswick Middle School,” Alban said. Strait has spent all 15 of his teaching years at the middle school and said he is still excited every day to do his job. His job is about service to others, he said. That is why he felt right at home at his reception cutting and serving cake that was prepared to honor him. He had few words for the crowd, but he dared students not to give up in difficult circumstances and to reach higher. Strait exemplifies “the wonderful and dedicated” Brunswick teachers, Keiling said. “He has a passion for educating students. He reaches students of all ability levels.” Winners are chosen from school nominations, and each school typically nominates a teacher, said schools spokesman Michael Doerrer. Strait, who has been nominated three times by Brunswick Middle School, was in a group of 63 other teachers this year, Doerrer said. There are more than 3,000 teachers in the school system. Selecting the best is difficult, said Ray Barnes, the school system’s chief operating officer. “It’s quite an accomplishment to get to this level of recognition,” Barnes said. Strait now moves on the to the statewide competition. Last year’s county winner was Amanda Portner, the Thurmont literary specialist. She became one of seven finalists for Maryland’s teacher of the year. She told Strait that the experience of meeting and visiting winners from the state’s other 23 jurisdictions inspired her professionally and personally. She cheerfully offered her guidance to Strait and braced him for a busy travel calendar. “It’s going to be your craziest teaching year ever,” she told Strait. Some of his travel can occur in style, as Audi Frederick is making a new car available to him for six months. Strait has his choice of either an A4 or Q5 model. He test-drove a smoke-gray A4 with a red bow on top that sales manager Chris Perry had for him to see at school Monday. Greg Thornton, Audi general manager, and the rest of the dealership feels strongly that teachers deserve more appreciation, Perry said. “We see all the hard work and dedication that goes in,” Perry said. Keiling leads one of the county’s smallest middle schools and likes to see it recognized. “We proved to Frederick County that we are the best,” she told the assembly. “It is a big deal for this community to have a teacher of the year,” Barnes said.