Baltimore, Md., May 22, 2008 -- Four College of Notre Dame of Maryland graduates have been named “Teacher of the Year” in their respective Maryland counties this spring.

Melissa McFayden, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Ridgely Elementary School in Ridgely, was named Caroline County’s Teacher of the Year. She received a master’s in teaching from College of Notre Dame in 2001.

John Billingslea, an AP psychology teacher at Franklin High School in Reisterstown, was named Baltimore County’s Teacher of the Year. He received a master’s in leadership in teaching in 2002.

Bonnie Beavan, a math teacher at Spring Ridge Middle School in Lexington Park, was named St. Mary’s County’s Teacher of the Year. She received her master’s in leadership in teaching in August 2007.

Ronald Wooden, a fifth grade teacher at George D. Lisby Elementary School in Aberdeen, was named Harford County’s Teacher of the Year. He received his master’s in leadership in teaching in December 2007. Mr. Wooden will be participating in this year’s Commencement ceremony on May 24.

“College of Notre Dame long has been recognized as one of the state’s largest and most significant private providers of teacher education,” said Mary Pat Seurkamp, Ph.D., president. “We are proud that four of our graduates have been honored as teachers of the year in their counties. It’s a strong testament to the quality of education provided by College of Notre Dame.”