The Dulaney High School (DHS) Teacher of the Year recipient for the 2023-2024 school year is Ms. Cheryl Muriel. Muriel’s actions have been noticed by many in the DHS community, but she was officially recognized in April.

Muriel has worked in the education field for 20 years, spending the past four as a math teacher at DHS. She is currently teaching algebra, geometry and college algebra classes with help from various senior math interns. Muriel enjoys working with her interns and expresses excitement about the program.

“I love my math interns. If you could imagine how fulfilling it is for the students to have these seniors come into the class and be able to make that different connection rather than having just the teacher. It really is special for the students,” says Muriel.

Muriel’s passion for math and education makes her classes special. One of Muriel’s interns, Nicole Hales, remarks on her unique and engaging teaching style.

“You can teach math, but it is a whole different thing to connect with students in a way that helps them understand it and also feel very supportive and welcome. I think Ms. Muriel does an excellent job at doing both,” says Hales.

Muriel is also involved with the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program at DHS. Next school year, she plans to teach three ESOL math classes and is taking Spanish language lessons to better communicate with the students.

“I’m very passionate about these new students who are coming to our school from another country. I think that it’s important for us to understand that we all come from someplace else and that we have to accept each other. We want it to be a very welcoming environment for these new students,” says Muriel.

The selection process to determine DHS’ Teacher of the Year varies each school year. This year, the administration asked the leadership team, consisting of department chairs and other faculty, to share any teachers who have stood out to them. Math Department Chair Victoria Bracken, one of the faculty responsible for Muriel’s selection, also shares her admiration.

“She goes above and beyond to ensure that her students can learn in the classroom. She works really well with our ESOL students, trying really hard to communicate, reach and help them. At all levels of math, she’s willing to do what’s necessary to help students be successful,” says Bracken.

Muriel’s outstanding dedication to her students is not strictly limited to the 2023-2024 school year. According to DHS Principal Samuel Wynkoop, her actions stood out during the Covid-19 Pandemic as well.

“She had a very big spirit. I remember she was very interested in connecting with kids, especially during COVID, when it was so hard. She would take that time to build relationships with her students,” says Wynkoop.

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