The 2023 Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision

The Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP) is pleased to announce that Ms. Beth F. Thomas, Assistant Principal, Hallie Wells Middle School, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is the 2023 recipient of the Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision.

This prestigious award, given by MCAAP, is presented annually to an administrator or supervisor who exemplifies outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the areas of purposeful leadership, instructional or system wide leadership, human resources development, resource management, interpersonal skills, professional involvement, and community and stakeholder involvement.

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In addition to her eight years of service in New York, Ms. Thomas has spent most of her educational career in MCPS. Over the last 28 years she has served as a special education teacher, special education resource teacher, alternative I teacher, and administrator. In 2006, Ms. Thomas became an administrator at James H. Blake High School. In 2016, she was appointed assistant principal to the newly opened Hallie Wells Middle School and has served there since.

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Ms. Thomas is known for her passion for all students. She exhibits high energy and commitment to ensure that each student receives instructional and social emotional support that elevates their strengths. She tirelessly works with students, families, staff, and administrator colleagues to keep students in the forefront of her decision-making.

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Ms. Thomas is known for enhancing the learning for all students, especially those with unique learning needs.  She creates a network of support within the school and with school partners to help students reach their full potential. Parents, administrators, students, and staff all note the strong commitment Ms. Thomas displays through her “students first” approach when maximizing student learning and achievement. Moreover, once a student is with Ms. Thomas, she will follow that student’s educational career beyond the level in which she supported him/her.

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Ms. Thomas exhibits high expectations where “all students and staff can learn, grow, and improve.” She engages in courageous conversations with all stakeholders to remove barriers for students and is known to provide love and care where students can see their own potential. This also applies to the staff as she is seen as a “go-to person for others seeking professional growth.” Because Ms. Thomas “regularly sees talent” in others, she has advised and mentored staff to pursue career advancements within MCPS. Due to her calm demeanor, Ms. Thomas’ colleagues often seek her wisdom and guidance to problem solve.

When it comes to the best interest of a student, no problem is too small to receive Ms. Thomas’ attention. Ms. Thomas has the uncanny ability to bring “empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence” when she engages students, staff, and parents. She brings calm to any situation with care. Ms. Thomas knows all of her students by name and is able to positively impact any meetings concerning her students due to her in-depth knowledge of each one.

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Ms. Thomas’ professional involvement within MCPS is broad and enables her to be an integral part of her school communities, past and present. During community events, Ms. Thomas is often seen talking with community partners, parents, and students to network and “bring fun” to any event. As a result of her positive leadership, Ms. Thomas has built a network of professionals, families and partners to serve the best interest of students. Moreso, her colleagues see her as a lifelong friend.

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As a result of her strong belief that all students can achieve, students who receive special education services at Hallie Wells meet and exceed academic expectations and standards. Ms. Thomas motivates students and staff to see beyond a student’s potential when supporting their needs. She also galvanizes resources that help students succeed academically. Her relentless dedication to student success is the drive that feeds into the many hours she spends organizing testing, school events, and professional learning opportunities for staff. Parents, staff, and students appreciate the instructional leadership she exhibits to remove barriers for all students to reach success.

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The Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision recognizes and honors Beth F. Thomas for her outstanding accomplishments and looks forward to her continued contributions to excellence in educational administration.  As this year’s award recipient, Ms. Thomas will be honored at the Champions for Children event on Monday, April 24, 2023. She will also be recognized at MCAAP’s Spring Membership meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, and at the Summer Leadership Conference on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Her name will be inscribed on the perpetual Shirley Award commemorative plaque prominently displayed at the MCAAP office.