Gov. Moore Taps Educators for Top Posts
Educators Named to State Board of Ed and Blueprint Accountability Board
Former Educator Samir Paul Appointed to Board of Education
Gov. Moore appointed former educator Samir Paul to the Maryland State Board of Education on June 14. Paul, a STEM champion and computer science teacher, started the STEM Talent Pipeline Program, an after-school math program for low-income girls in Montgomery County. While a member of his local union, the Montgomery County Education Association, NEA recognized him as one of its “30 Under 30” educators.
As a student at Columbia Law School, Paul received a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. The proud son of immigrant parents told the Columbia Law School news website, “This fellowship celebrates immigrant excellence, and I think that’s really important, particularly in the cultural moment that we’re living through. But I also think it’s really important to acknowledge that this vision of excellence and opportunity is not specific just to immigrants. It’s one that we want to expand to everybody.”
Now an attorney, Paul is a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Teacher Justin Robinson Named to Blueprint Accountability Board
National Board Certified Prince George’s County teacher Justin Robinson is the new voice of educators on the important Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB), after his appointment by Governor Moore in early May.
“I am honored to serve on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board,” Robinson said. “We must work together to lift up the next generation of leaders—and that starts in the classroom. I will bring my education expertise to the board and represent Maryland’s teachers, working tirelessly to improve quality and equity in Maryland’s education system.”
The Blueprint created the independent AIB to ensure that the Blueprint is implemented as intended. The AIB also evaluates whether the Blueprint’s outcomes are being achieved.
“Justin is a leader and veteran educator who influences the lives of his students every day,” said Gov. Moore. “He understands both Maryland’s education system and the responsibility that a quality educator has in supporting the success of children in Maryland. I look forward to his leadership on the board.”
Robinson, a numeracy coach in Prince George’s County, is a member of the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association Board of Directors, the local negotiations team, and the county’s Blueprint Implementation Committee and Career Ladder Development Team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University, a master’s degree in education from the University of Maryland, and recently completed his PhD at Johns Hopkins University where he researched teacher attrition.