Amy Guerke, principal of Ruth Parker Eason School in Millersville, today was named the recipient of the 2024-2025 George Arlotto Leadership Award and will represent Anne Arundel County Public Schools in The Washington Post Principal of the Year program later this year.
Guerke learned of the news this morning as she assisted with student arrival and was surprised by Board of Education President Robert Silkworth, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell, Education Foundation of AACPS Vice President Vic Samuels and Executive Director Joe Callahan, and other school system officials.
“I often say that I have the best job imaginable, and being recognized for my work is a wonderful surprise,” Guerke said. “It is a privilege to be part of such an amazing school community and I am deeply grateful for receiving this award.”
The AACPS Principal of the Year program began in 2021-2022 at the urging of then-Superintendent George Arlotto with support from the Education Foundation of AACPS, which sought to recognize outstanding principals in the county as is done in the annual Teacher of the Year program, which is now in its 39th year. The Foundation formally named the award in honor of Dr. Arlotto, who served AACPS for 16 years, including eight as Superintendent, in June 2022.
Heather Garris of Tracey’s Elementary School, Richard Rogers of Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School, and Julia Walsh of Tyler Heights Elementary School are previous winners of the award.
Guerke has been principal at Ruth Parker Eason, which serves students with profound developmental disabilities, for seven years. She has worked for Anne Arundel County Public Schools since 1995 and spent nine years teaching at Ruth Parker Eason and several years in the school system’s Department of Special Education before returning to the school as principal in 2018.
“Ms. Guerke is an exceptional leader who is passionate in her plight to instill educational access and opportunity with dignity in the provision of specially designed instruction for the students with disabilities she serves,” said Mary Tillar, AACPS’ Assistant Superintendent for Specialized Instruction and Early Intervention Services (formerly Special Education). “Through an asset-driven mindset and a career commitment in special education, Ms. Guerke leads by example, embracing potential, recognizing contribution, and celebrating talents. Her belief in innovation, inclusion, integrity, and equity in educational programming has fostered a positive, highly connected, and successful learning environment.”
The parent of a Ruth Parker Eason student shared that Guerke “is an involved principal and seems to know each of her students and their families personally.”
A Ruth Parker Eason staff member said Guerke “makes sure all of her staff feel supported and appreciated each day. She truly cares so much about each and every student and staff member in the school.”
To be eligible for the award, principals must have at least five years of experience and be in at least their second year at a school. Nominees must also demonstrate excellence in the following areas: Management & Communication; School & Community Cooperation; Creativity & Innovation; and Instructional Leadership.
In addition to Guerke, the Foundation will also recognize the following finalists at its annual Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony on April 25, 2025, at Live! Arundel Mills:
Linda Chandler, Old Mill Middle School South
Lenora Fox, Mayo Elementary School
Katherine Hicks, Wiley H. Bates Middle School
Tickets for the Excellence in Education Awards, at which the 2025 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and the Independent Schools Teacher of the Year will also be announced, will go on sale in January.