BHS math teacher nominated for countywide award By MATT ARMES Staff Writer
For Ellen Rader, 25½ years at Bowie High School and 30½ years of teaching hundreds of students in the Prince George's County Public Schools system equals time well spent.
Rader, a math teacher at Bowie High, is one of 12 teachers in the county who has been nominated for the PGCPS Outstanding Educator of the Year Award.
After learning she had been nominated to receive the award earlier this spring, Rader admitted she had been caught completely off guard.
"I was very surprised, because the ironic thing is, I'm also the chair for the awards committee," she said.
George Thayer, an assistant principal at Bowie High, serves on the school's Staff Recognition Committee.
"I can't think of anyone who personifies the right kind of education more than her," Thayer said of Rader, who also serves as chairman of the math department.
"She is always able to convey that sense of respect to everyone," he added. "She has that ability to connect with everyone - her students, her peers, the school administrators and parents."
Thayer went on to say that Rader would be recognized for her years of service at an upcoming employee recognition banquet. He also helped gather letters of support from students and faculty for Rader's nomination.
In her recommendation letter supporting Rader, Bowie High Parent Teacher Student Organization President Mary Nusser said Rader has always been viewed by the PTSO "for her many years as an outstanding teacher and effective leader" as the chairwoman of the math department.
Nusser went on to say that Rader was always "readily available to tackle any additional assignments and has been a one-of-a-kind skillful crusader on behalf of children."
One of Rader's fellow math colleagues, Denise Swann, said in her support letter that Rader was able to relate well with all phases of the student academic spectrum.
"Mrs. Rader demonstrates her warmth and sincere caring for her students by motivating and involving them in their own learning," she said. "Her love of mathematics is surpassed only by her commitment to the young people she has taught."
Bowie High Principal Jane Spence said in her recommendation letter that the biggest reason the math teachers work so well together "is the amount of respect they have for Mrs. Rader."
"Whatever is asked of her, she does uncomplainingly," Spence added. "She integrates technology seamlessly, analyzes data energetically and collaborates superbly."
In addition to Rader's nomination for the prestigious education award, she has also decided to retire at the end of this school year after 30½ years of teaching.
"It's time," she said. "My husband retired from teaching middle school technology education four years ago, and he's just been waiting for me,"
"I'm also starting to have the children of students I had here!" she joked.
After teaching trigonometry analysis this year, Rader will still tutor students at her home in Calvert County. She also plans to spend some of her free time traveling.
In reflecting on her career, Rader said the biggest regret she had was not going on to obtain a master's degree immediately after receiving her bachelor's degree. She had fulfilled all of her course requirements and graduated in mid-December before taking a teaching position a few weeks later.
"I think in looking back, had I known then what I know now, it would have been nice to go right into a master's degree program after graduating from college," she said.
Rader went on to say that her biggest joy in teaching was effectively reaching students and helping them be successful.
"If you can somehow draw them into the subject, and when they know you're looking out for them, it's much easier," she said. "The interaction with the kids is what I'll miss the most," she added. "That's the best thing about it."
