Teacher

NAME: Susan Ryan

SCHOOL/PHONE #: Folly Quarter Middle School (410) 313-1506

CLASSES: 6th Grade Geography & World Cultures

CONTACT INFO: Email-Susan_Ryan@hcpss.org & Online Gradebook-www.Teacherease.com


Background

Currently I live in Catonsville with my wonderful husband Rob, my daughter Ally- 5 months, and 
our spoiled little doggy Riley- 9 years. Did I mention that they are spoiled? 

As a kid I always thought that I would be an interior designer or a fashion 
designer. Who knew? Actually when I was in 4th grade my fourth grade teacher 
Mrs. O'Neil kinda gave me the idea that teaching would be good career too. 
Away went the fashion plate maker toy I had loved forever and my new 
favorite item was.....STAPLES! ok there wasn't one around me at that time, 
however the point is I had an obssession with school supplies. Unfortunately 
I still do. Actually I think it is a requirement to become a teacher. School 
Supply Disease! Help!!!! 

In 1997 I received my degree in Elementary Education (1-8) from the 
University of Maryland. The funny part is that it was my fourth grade 
teacher, who had become a principal, that gave me my first job. At that time 
I was teaching 2nd grade at Roger's Heights French Immersion Elementary 
School in Prince George's County. I taught the regular curriculum while a 
colleague at the school taught the french portion. That was a great experience. I 
hate to say I didn't learn any French though.

I taught at that school for 2 years and then moved to Howard County where I 
taught for 4 years as a 5th grade teacher and became 5th grade team leader 
in that last year. I loved teaching elementary school but wanted to 
challenge my students more and to focus on Social Studies. 

In 2003 Folly Quarter Middle School opened up and I got that opportunity. I 
became a 6th grade Social Studies Teacher and am looking forward to my 7th 
year here at the school!

I received my Master's of Education degree in Secondary Social Studies 
Education in May of 2007 and took a semester off from any additional school for myself. 

In January of 2008 I took part in a seminar hosted by the National Consortium for Teaching about 
Asia at the University of Maryland. During that seminar I gained additional coursework information 
about China and Japan. Additionally I had the opportunity to apply for a grant to go to Japan for 3 
weeks and got it!  So that summer I went to Japan from June 24th-July 14th. 

Last year was my 13th year of teaching and to keep myself sharp I decided to take part 
in a voluntary program for National Board Certification. 

This will be my 14th year of teaching and I am looking forward to starting a new school year with 
you.

Happy Trails!!!