Glen Burnie Area Teacher Earns National Recognition, Presidential Award for Professional Excellence

A Glen Burnie area elementary school teacher is being celebrated for earning a nationally recongnized award for professional excellence.

School officials say Joanie Gulden is one of only 117 educators and organizations across the United States to receive 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest recognition a K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching.

"Glen Burnie Park Elementary School students, staff, and families have known for years the impact that Joanie Gulden has had in the classroom," a school system announcement said.  "Now, the nation knows it as well." 

Gulden, a former Anne Arundel County Public Schools student who has returned to her home school district to teach, has worked in AACPS for 15 years. She has spent the last eight at Glen Burnie Park Elementary School.

An energetic, collaborative, and passionate educator, she prides herself on placing student growth at the center of everything she does. 

"Joanie has a passion for math like no other,” Glen Burnie Park Elementary School Principal Colleen McFarland said. “She brings excitement and fun to learning while also creatively ensuring instruction is relevant to all our students. Her knowledge runs deep and her energy is palpable. Joanie truly makes a positive difference for students, teachers, and our school community.”

Gulden said this award brings into focus the crucial part mathematics plays in education.

As an honoree, Gulden will receive a certificate signed by the President and a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. She will also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.