Superintendent Mark Bedell with students in classroom

The Eta Eta Lambda chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has named Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell as the recipient of its 2024 Trailblazer Award.

The award is given by the brothers of the fraternity to an individual who has pioneered new paths, driven innovation, and made significant contributions in their field.

In announcing the award, the fraternity applauded Dr. Bedell’s “groundbreaking leadership and dedication to the future of education.”

“The Eta Eta Lambda chapter and foundation are honored to recognize Dr. Bedell, who exemplifies our core ethos of education, scholarship and love for all mankind,” Michael Ligions, Chairman of the Eta Eta Lambda Foundation, and Michael Bertty, President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Eta Eta Lambda Chapter, said in statement. “His leadership in Anne Arundel Public School Schools has already made a positive impact through his dedication and service and we look forward to continuing to support his efforts in creating a brighter futures for our communities.”

Dr. Bedell is in his third year as Superintendent of AACPS, the fourth largest school system in Maryland and 37th largest in the nation. Throughout his tenure, he has championed equity for all students, innovative approaches to instruction and other initiatives, community engagement and ensuring that employees feel they are valued.

Since arriving at AACPS, Dr. Bedell has reorganized the administrative team to increase efficiency in delivery of instruction and support to students and staff, brought on board new elementary language arts and math curricula and worked with Transportation Division staff to implement a new alternative vehicle program that has helped to curb a countywide bus driver shortage. Over the last three years, AACPS has also seen the highest increase on statewide assessments in the Baltimore region and dramatically increased access to and passing scores in Advanced Placement courses and exams. Additionally, he has created the Office of Mentoring Services, believed to be the first in a Maryland school system solely dedicated to establishing and enhancing opportunities for staff, employees of outside agencies, and individuals to serve as student mentors.

“The members of this fraternity have done an amazing amount of work mentoring and tutoring our students over the years. Their first-person involvement and knowledge of the work that goes on in our schools is what makes this award so special,” Dr. Bedell said. “No school system can be great without great partners and this fraternity has been beyond great in its support.”

Dr. Bedell will receive the award at the Eta Eta Lambda Foundation’s annual Masquerade Scholarship Ball on Saturday, October 26, 2024.