INPERSON
TEACHER
OF THE
YEAR
Ross Township native Brian
Sullivan named 2017 Teacher of
the Year in Winchester, Virginia.
BY NICOLE TAFE
N
orth Hills High School graduate Brian
Sullivan is making his hometown
proud as the 2017 Teacher of the
Year for Frederick County Public Sc hools in
Winchester, VA.
Sullivan, 27, grew up in Ross Township
and is the son of Pat and Peggy Sullivan,
and brother of Brett, 24, and Lea, 22. While
attending North Hills High School, Sullivan
participated in both school-sponsored and
club soccer as well as several extracurricular
clubs. His favorite teachers included his
high school soccer coach, Joe Bosley, and
his Northway Elementary sixth grade
teacher, Mr. Mayernik. “My favorite subject
was definitely math,” says Sullivan, who
developed a knack for the subject early on.
Following graduation in 2007, Sullivan
attended Slippery Rock University
and received his Bachelor of Science in
Mathematics with minors in Statistics and
Coaching. He continued his studies at
Slippery Rock and attained a master’s degree
in education.
“I moved to Virginia upon graduating
from Slippery Rock in 2012 because the
demand for math teachers in Virginia was
much higher than in Pennsylvania,” says
Sullivan.
Sullivan is currently in his fifth year at
James Wood High School in Winchester,
VA. He teaches AP Statistics, Probability
and Statistics, and Algebra, Functions and
10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township
Brian Sullivan
teachers in my high school and throughout
Data Analysis (AFDA)—a course that is a
the county.”
bridge for students who struggle in math and
On Aug. 11, Dr. David Sovine,
are not yet ready to take Algebra II. Most of
Superintendent of Frederick County Public
Sullivan’s students are juniors and seniors.
Schools, presented the award to Sullivan.
In addition to teaching math, Sullivan
The Convocation included all of the teachers
is also the head varsity boys soccer coach,
from the county and is best described as a
assistant varsity boys basketball coach,
“welcome back” ceremony for teachers. The
Varsity Club advisor and Director of Camp
Frederick County School Board members
Wood—the freshman orientation program/
and local Congressional Representative,
camp at James Wood.
Barbara Comstock, were
Sullivan was
in attendance.
nominated by one of
“It’s these great teachers I alsoCurrently,
Sullivan is
his colleagues for the
had while attending North attending Shenandoah
2017 Teacher of the
University to attain
Year award. “There are
Hills High School that
certificate in
20 elementary, middle,
helped mold me into the his
Administration and
technical and high
teacher I am today.”
Educational Leadership,
schools in Frederick
and hopes to one day
County and all 20
become an athletic director or principal of a
schools select one teacher of the year,”
school.
explains Sullivan. “From there, teachers
He says he’s always had great support
must write several essays on topics such
from his parents, who encouraged him to
as teaching philosophy, extracurricular
pursue his passion for education. “I started
activities, etc., and the top three candidates
to think about becoming a teacher when I
are selected to move on in the process.”
was in ninth grade,” recalls Sullivan. “I can
An outside panel of judges made up of
remember watching what the teacher did
area community leaders then interviewed the
in the classroom, while also learning the
top three and selected the winner.
day’s lesson. It’s these great teachers I had
“It was a total surprise and tremendous
while attending North Hills High School
recognition to have won teacher of the year
that helped mold me into the teacher I am
for the county,” says Sullivan. “It was truly
today.” n
an honor, considering the number of quality