2014 National Teacher of the Year

Media Toolkit
1. Press Release
2. Information about Sean McComb, the 2014 National Teacher of the Year
a. Biography
b. Headshot
c. Quotes Sheet
3. National Teacher of the Year Program Overview
4. #NTOY14 Social Media Campaign

Press Release

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 8:30 am Eastern Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Contact:
Kate Dando Doran | kated@ccsso.org | 303-818-4738

Maryland Teacher Named 2014 National Teacher of the Year

High School English Teacher Sean McComb To Be Honored by President Obama Thursday
WASHINGTON The Council of Chief State School Officers announced today that Sean McComb, a high
school English teacher from Maryland, was named the 64th National Teacher of the Year. McComb,
along with all 2014 State Teachers of the Year, will be recognized by President Barack Obama in a
ceremony at the White House on May 1, 2014.
McComb teaches at Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts in Baltimore, where he has spent his
eight-year teaching career. In addition to teaching, McComb supports his Patapsco colleagues through
coaching and training as the schools Staff Development Teacher. He also served as a curriculum writer
for the school system and an adjunct instructor in Education and Writing at Towson University.
My teaching is built on the belief that relationships and engagement can turn challenges into
opportunities for excellence for all students. As we embrace that truth, we help awaken students to
their full potential and the possibility to live out the American dream, said McComb.
In 2007, McComb developed Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) at Patapsco, a mentorbased, college-preparatory program. Since then, the schools program has continued to assist students
who are academically in the middle and in need by equipping them with the habits of mind and
academic supports they need to take rigorous high school courses to prepare for college. In the AVID
programs last two graduating classes at the school, 98 percent of students were admitted to four-year
colleges. This program, paired with a dedicated faculty and administration, has helped Patapsco receive
recognition as a top high school from The Washington Post and U.S. News and World Report for the first
time in its 50-year history.
Beyond the classroom, McComb demonstrates his commitment to his students in many waysincluding
chaperoning students to and hosting students from China through the Baltimore County China Cultural
Exchange Program, giving up his spring break to take students on college bus tours, and coaching indoor
track and tennis. He also actively serves his community and works to instill a sense of service with his
students. McComb and his students have been involved in services projects such as: planting trees in

the community, cleaning up a local creek, serving meals to the homeless and delivering donations for
Neighbors in Need at a local church. McComb holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master
of Education in English Education from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a Certificate in School
Improvement Leadership from Goucher College.
Access a press kit with additional information about Sean McComb here. Find more information about
the National Teacher of the Year program here. There will be media availability with Sean McComb
on April 30 from 9:30 am 11:30 am ET. To arrange an interview, please contact Kate Dando Doran
(kated@ccsso.org). President Barack Obama will honor the 2014 National Teacher of the Year and all
of the State Teachers of the Year at the White House on May 1, 2014 at 2:00 PM ET.
The National Teacher of the Year Program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
Every year states select a teacher of the year to participate in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
State teachers of the year are selected on the basis of nominations by students, teachers, principals, and
school district administrators throughout the states. A panel convened by CCSSO, representing 15
national education organizations, chose the four finalists from the 2014 state teachers of the year. The
panel then personally interviews each finalist before naming the National Teacher of the Year. The
finalists for 2014 National Teacher of the Year are Dorina M. Sackman (Florida), Ryan Devlin
(Pennsylvania), and Melissa Ann Porfirio (Virginia). You can read more about the finalists here.

Sean McComb
2014 National Teacher of the Year
High School (Grades 9-12) English Teacher
Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts
Baltimore, Maryland
Sean McComb is a 9-12th grade English teacher at Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts in
Baltimore, Maryland. He is currently completing his eighth year as an educator and has been at Patapsco
since beginning his teaching career.
A strong teacher-student relationship facilitates the opportunity for deeper learning and more critical
thinking, says McComb. He firmly believes that public education is the foundation for opportunity and
success for any child. In addition to his role as an English instructor, McComb helped develop, and
continues to spearhead, Patapscos Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program which
boasted a 98% college acceptance rate for its last two graduating classes. He was recognized by
Baltimore County for his outstanding leadership of the AVID program.
McCombs devotion to the teaching profession extends beyond the classroom as well. He also coaches
the Patapsco Cross Country Team, supervises cultural exchange programs, and has led several university
training sessions and presentations for future teachers. McComb says that he has found his purpose in
teaching stating, I have worked to engage my students and push them to achieve the excellence within
them. Every child deserves nothing less, and my calling is to champion that effort.
McComb is a member of several professional education associations and has received numerous awards
and recognitions, including the Capital One Community Champion Award (awarded by the WNBAs
Washington Mystics in 2013). He holds a B.A. in English Literature and a Masters of Education in English
Literature from the University of Pittsburgh. He also holds a Certificate in School Improvement
Leadership from Goucher College.
To read Seans application materials click http://bit.ly/1hUDFtg
To view a high resolution photo of Sean, click http://bit.ly/1fNTcey

Support for Sean McComb

Sean McComb embodies what it is to be a great teacher. He inspires, challenges, supports, and engages
his students on their path to college and career, said Chris Minnich, Executive Director of the Council
of Chief State School Officers. Congratulations to Sean and all of the 2014 state teachers of the year.
Maryland schools are only as good as our educators, and Sean personifies what it means to be a
teacher in our State. He provides students with a rigorous, vibrant, caring learning environment that
acts as a launch pad for college or career. Hes a world-class teacher preparing world-class students,
said Lillian Lowery, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools.
Sean is the kind of educator we all would want for our children. He has a quiet intensity about him that
shines in the classroom and draws his students to him. And through that passion and his teaching style,
he remains focused on every student in his class challenging them and supporting them, staying
attuned to who they are, where they are in their lives, and what each of them needs to succeed. He has
been a superlative representative for all of Team BCPS and Marylands educators, and we are proud and
excited to see him bring his considerable skills and commitment to teaching to educators nationwide,
said Dr. S. Dallas Dance, Superintendent, Baltimore County Public Schools
Its an honor to support such a worthy cause, which showcases the creativity, determination and
passion of our best teachers across the country, said Jamie Ohl, president of Tax-Exempt Markets,
Voya Financial. We understand how important our nations educational system is to the future success
of young people, which is why our company has sponsored the National Teacher of the Year program for
a decade. Voya congratulates Sean McComb and the other state winners for their commitment to
excellence in the classroom.

Overview of the National Teacher of the Year Program

The National Teacher of the Year Program
The National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) Program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
The NTOY Program began in 1952 and is the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that
focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The NTOY is chosen from among the State Teachers
of the Year by a National Selection Committee representing the major national education organizations.
Each year, the NTOY is introduced to the American people by the President of the United States.
Becoming National Teacher of the Year
The National Teacher of the Year Program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Every year
states each select a state teacher of the year to participate in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
A panel of representing 15 national education organizations, convened by CCSSO, chooses four finalists
from the 2014 state teachers of the year. The selection committee then personally interviews each
finalist and selects the National Teacher of the Year. In April, the National Teacher of the Year will be
announced by CCSSO. The President of the United States recognizes the National Teacher of the Year in
a White House ceremony.
A National Selection Committee, composed of representatives from 15 national education organizations,
meets to choose four finalists from the nominations received. The committee conducts personal
interviews with the finalists to select the NTOY.
The National Selection Committee is represented by these esteemed organizations:
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)
Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE)
ASCD
Association of Teacher Educators (ATE)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)
National Education Association (NEA )
National PTA
National School Boards Association (NSBA)
National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)
Duties of the National Teacher of the Year
During the official year of recognition, the NTOY is released from classroom duties to travel nationally
and internationally as a spokesperson and advocate for the teaching profession. The NTOY may be called
upon to represent American educators to audiences in other nations. NTOYs are frequently requested to
sit on national and state commissions and policy advising bodies.

Join the Conversation #NTOY14 Social Media Campaign

Twitter
(@CCSSO)

Facebook
(http://www.facebook.com/ccsso)

CCSSO will be live tweeting many of the events

during the National Teacher of the Year
Announcement using the #NTOY14.

CCSSOs Facebook page will be the hub for

media about the National Teacher of the Year
Announcement. Please check
http://www.facebook.com/ccsso for pictures,
videos, and news updates.

Social Media Schedule of Events

Monday, April 28

Tuesday, April
29

Wednesday, April 30

Thursday, May 1

Friday, May 2

Overview:
Today, CCSSO
welcomes the 50
state teachers of
the year to DC. Join
us in welcoming
them!

Overview:
The teachers
attend several
meetings in D.C.
and explore the
city.

Overview:
Today, the 2014
National Teacher of
the Year is announced.
The teachers also
attend the 2014
National Teacher of
the Year Recognition
Dinner.

Overview:
The teachers end
their week in D.C.
They will return to
their states and
continue to serve
as leaders in their
communities.

How you can

participate:
Join us in
congratulating
and welcoming
this years state
teachers of the
year
Tweet and
#thankateacher
who has made an
impact in your
life

How you can

participate:
Share your
experiences
with great
teachers by
#thankateach
er or sharing
your passion
for teaching
with
#livetoteach
Tweet and
share a
moment when
teaching
changed your
life
#livetoteach

How you can

participate:
Join us in
congratulating the
2014 NTOY, Sean

Overview:
The teachers are
honored at the
White House and
meet the
President of the
United States. The
National Teacher
of the year
addresses the
nation.
How you can
participate:
Follow our live
tweets from the
White House
@CCSSO
Tweet
#thankateacher
to share an
experience with
a great teacher
Tweet an
experience that
made you want
to be a teacher
and #livetoteach

McComb
(@Mr_McComb)
Share NTOY
graphics with
quotes from Sean.
Find these on
CCSSOs Twitter &
Facebook
Share your ideas &
experiences using
#teachers, &
#livetoteach
Tweet
#thankateacher
who has made an
impact in your life

How you can

participate:
Join us in
thanking all of
this years
participants and
nominees with
#thankateacher
and #NTOY14
Strike up
dialogue in your
own schools and
communities
with #NTOY14
and #edleaders

Hashtags:
#NTOY14
#livetoteach
#thankateacher

Hashtags:
#NTOY14
#livetoteach
#teachers

Hashtags:
#NTOY14
#teachers
#livetoteach
#thankateacher

Hashtags:
#NTOY14
#livetoteach
#thankateacher

Hashtags:
#NTOY14
#thankateacher
#edleaders