Anne Arundel County Names 2017 Teacher of the Year – Kelly Rampmeyer

Thu. 04/27/2017

Finalists for Teacher of the Year gathered at the 31st annual Excellence in Education banquet at the BWI Marriott in Linthicum on April 26, 2017. Summit’s own Kelly Rampmeyer was recognized for her exceptional work and honored as the 2017 Teacher of the Year for Independent Schools.

The Summit School, now in its 28th year, is designed to meet the needs of bright students in grades one through eight who have dyslexia and other learning differences. “Kelly is masterful at understanding the child as a learner and tailoring her instruction to meet his or her needs in ways that are engaging, meaningful, and diagnostic/prescriptive.  While Kelly uses her skill and creativity to meet her students’ diverse instructional needs, she has a knack for making school fun and for promoting school community spirit,” said Dr. Joan A. Mele-McCarthy, CCC-SLP, Executive Director of The Summit School. “The Summit community is very fortunate to have teachers with the talent and passion personified in Kelly.”

Kelly was joined at the banquet by her family, friends, colleagues and students.  In her acceptance speech, which was sweet, funny and full of gratitude, Kelly said:

• A favorite aspect of winning was the ability to shine a light on The Summit School. Kelly said she was just one of many educators and administrators at the school who have dedicated themselves to serving students with dyslexia.
• She acknowledged the leadership of Dr. Joan A. Mele-McCarthy and Danielle Randall, Summit School Program Coordinator. Kelly said, with a little laugh, they lead a school that’s worth riding your bike 4,333 miles across the country for.
• By far, the most important persons in a teacher’s life are her students. Kelly was honored that some of her students were in attendance.
• Kelly thanked her family, “they are the best part me.”

And, in typical Rampmeyer style, Kelly channeled Ms. Frizzle and encouraged everyone to “take chances, make mistakes and get messy.”

We are very proud of you Kelly – congratulations!!