2025 Shirley J. Lowrie "Thank You for Teaching" Award

Winner

His principal calls him enthusiastic, engaging, caring, fun and motivational. His classroom is inviting and promotes openness, mutual respect, support and inquiry. He establishes personal and meaningful relationships with each of his students, learning their likes and dislikes, hobbies and challenges. His toolkit includes making real-world connections and using humorous pseudonyms, including Dr. Ensley for science where he wears a doctor’s jacket and a white wig. For math, he becomes Captain Math. For reading, he becomes Reading Robot and for writing, he transforms into Writing Wizard.

Ensley believes that all students can master grade-level curriculum with appropriate accommodations. He routinely communicates to his students: “I believe in you,” “I won’t give up on you” and “This is important.” He gives his students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their understanding on a specific skill. He uses a variety of strategies to meet his students’ needs, including thinking aloud, explanatory devices for clarity and using equitable strategies. He often pretends to make mistakes while teaching, encouraging his students to correct him. The kids love it and are captivated by his lessons, rarely looking away for fear of missing something fun and exciting. His teaching philosophy seems to include, “If they’re laughing, they’re learning.”

A 16-year veteran of MCPS, Ensley has also taught fourth grade. He holds a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in elementary education and special education and a master’s degree in early childhood education from Towson University. He is an adjunct professor for the elementary education program at Towson.

About the Award

The Shirley J. Lowrie "Thank You for Teaching" Award was created by the family of Shirley Johnston Lowrie (1935–2003). Shirley grew up with a strong desire to become a teacher.  in 1957, she graduated from the University of Memphis with a degree in Elementary Education.  She taught for several years as a teacher and substitute teacher in California and Connecticut before relocating with her family to Potomac, Maryland.

Well after her teaching career, Shirley remained a strong supporter of the many teachers in her life. Her family created the Shirley J. Lowrie "Thank You for Teaching" Award, through The Montgomery County Community Foundation, to honor her memory by recognizing and encouraging outstanding elementary school teachers in Montgomery County.

The Shirley J. Lowrie "Thank You for Teaching" Award seeks to honor extraordinary elementary school teachers who have a deep dedication to the teaching profession. Nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Serves as an elementary school teacher (prekindergarten through Grade 5) who works directly with students in the classroom on a daily basis

• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of subject matter which is communicated effectively to students

• Shares his/her enthusiasm for learning with their students

• Encourages students to set and achieve high goals

• Fosters relationships with colleagues, parents, and community members

• Goes the extra mile to ensure that their students receive the support they need to succeed

About the Nominee

The nominee:

Is a current prekindergarten to Grade 5 teacher in MCPS.

Is not a previous recipient of this award. (Previous nominees who did not win may be re-nominated.)

Winner Selection: The Selection Committee will review nominations and make its announcement by April 2025. The winner will receive a $2,500 monetary award.

Nomination Submission

Nomination Deadline & How to Submit: (Check back in October 2025)

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources and Development (OHRD) at 240-740-7012.