Southern Middle School teacher Marina Thompson is the Maryland Dance Educator of the Year K-12 as recently proclaimed by the Maryland Dance Education Association. The award is given annually to a teacher who shows a commitment to advancing and inspiring students through dance instruction.
Thompson has spent her entire career at Southern Middle School building a 15-year legacy where her dance and physical education classes are always welcoming and engaging so that all students feel a true sense of belonging. She strives to ensure all classrooms are a place where every student is celebrated and appreciated no matter their dance experience.
Throughout her tenure, she has grown the dance program at Southern Middle School while supporting new teachers, the county-wide dance festival, and summer programing.
"Dance allows students to think critically and creatively, instills the core value of respect, fosters an environment of inclusion and acceptance for all, and promotes joyful learning,” said Thompson. “With students at the forefront, my classroom serves as a safe place for all, an example for best teaching practices, and a place that uses dance as the vessel to inspire and challenge students to reach their highest potential. Students leave my classroom empowered with a greater sense of self, increased confidence, and a stronger understanding of how they can make a difference in the world."
“Whether at Southern Middle School or during an AACPS summer dance intensive, Ms. Thompson is widely recognized for her ability to create a classroom where students feel valued, supported, and inspired,” said Southern Middle School’s Principal Kelly McVey. “Her students often highlight her as a key figure in their positive school experiences, praising her encouragement and understanding. As a dance instructor, Ms. Thompson’s talent and creativity are unparalleled. She choreographs stunning performances that highlight her students’ talents and captivate audiences. Her commitment to dance education is evident in her mentorship of aspiring dance educators, guiding them with expertise and passion. Through her dedication and leadership, Ms. Thompson continues to shape the future of dance education, making a lasting impact on her students and the school community.”
Watch this heartwarming video featuring testimonials from students and families, sharing why their incredible teacher deserved to be awarded Maryland’s Dance Educator of the Year.
The Maryland Dance Education Association has also honored Lacey Sheppard, Academic Specialist for the Enhancing Elementary Excellence (Triple E) program as Maryland’s Outstanding Leader in Dance Education. The award is given annually to a dance educator who is committed to and promotes dance education on the local, state, and national levels.
Sheppard joined AACPS in 2011, starting her career as a dance educator at Brooklyn Park Middle School. She goes above and beyond in sharing tools and structures to guide instruction with an overall emphasis on encouraging students to develop their artistic voice.
In her current position, she has developed and elevated dance and movement lessons and shares with the staff of school based Triple E teachers through professional development sessions and co-teaching opportunities.
“For me, teaching dance goes far beyond choreography and technique, reflecting the lasting impact of my own arts education and educators. It's about shaping character, building confidence, and fostering resilience,” said Sheppard. “I believe that every student should be afforded the opportunity to learn and grow as dancers, artists, and individuals ready to navigate the world with creativity and compassion. Whether mentoring educators, organizing arts programming, or advocating for the arts, these values remain at the heart of everything I do—my ‘why.’ I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dynamic leaders in dance education, who continually motivate and challenge me to elevate dance education in Maryland, as well as for a school system that values the importance of arts education. It is my hope that my contributions inspire others to advance the field of dance education and make a lasting difference in their communities.”
"Lacey Sheppard is an exceptional Academic Specialist for the Triple E program who inspires others not only through her talent but through the way she ignites creativity in every student and teacher,” Tara Rose, Coordinator, Triple E. “Her ability to cultivate imagination and self-expression in others is a true gift. Receiving this award reflects her passion, dedication, and the countless lives they've touched through their teaching.”
Ms. Sheppard is also an adjunct faculty member of Towson University, where she serves as a professor in the PK-12 Dance Education courses. In addition to her efforts to support dance education in AACPS, her leadership is extends as an advocate and presenter as AACPS district liaison with the States Arts Council, Co-chair for the Maryland Middle School Dance Showcase, and regularly presenter with MSDE Fine Arts, Maryland Dance Education Association, and the National Dance Education Organization. Her extensive knowledge and teaching experience allows her to share an enthusiasm with teachers and administrators to celebrate and advocate for dance as an integral part of every student’s educational journey.
The Maryland Dance Education Association’s mission is to serve dance educators and elevate dance in the state of Maryland as a creative process, discipline, and performing art that informs the human experience in a variety of environments including, but not limited to, dance studios, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, recreational and community centers.
Thompson and Sheppard will be formally recognized for their accomplishments on October 18 at the MDEA Fall Conference.