Chantell Mae
2024-25 Teacher of the Year: South Elementary
Question-Answer Session
Chantell MaeHow Long Have You Been Part of the PGCPS Family?
As a teacher, I’ve been a proud member of the PGCPS family for 20 years, but my connection to this county runs much deeper. It has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My educational journey began in Prince George County, where I started Kindergarten at North Elementary. I grew up in our school system, learning from outstanding teachers who inspired me through my Prince George High School graduation. This community shaped me, and when it came time to choose my path, I knew I wanted to give back to the place that gave me so much.
As a teacher, I’ve been a proud member of the PGCPS family for 20 years, but my connection to this county runs much deeper. It has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My educational journey began in Prince George County, where I started Kindergarten at North Elementary. I grew up in our school system, learning from outstanding teachers who inspired me through my Prince George High School graduation. This community shaped me, and when it came time to choose my path, I knew I wanted to give back to the place that gave me so much.
Most of my teaching experience has been at North Elementary, where I joyfully worked with students across Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades for 15 wonderful years. I also spent a year teaching 4th grade at L.L. Beazley, which was a rewarding experience. Currently, I’m excited to be in my fourth year at South Elementary, guiding my amazing 5th graders through their last elementary year before they head to middle school.
Please Share Your Thoughts on Being Named Teacher of the Year & What This Recognition Means to You.
Being named Teacher of the Year for South Elementary is an incredible honor. I wasn't expecting this, but I'm incredibly grateful. This recognition isn't just about my hard work—it reflects the support and inspiration I get daily from my students, their families, and our fantastic school community. I'm grateful for my incredible 5th-grade team, who support and inspire me every day. I feel so blessed to be one of the many shining stars at South Elementary!
Being named Teacher of the Year for South Elementary is an incredible honor. I wasn't expecting this, but I'm incredibly grateful. This recognition isn't just about my hard work—it reflects the support and inspiration I get daily from my students, their families, and our fantastic school community. I'm grateful for my incredible 5th-grade team, who support and inspire me every day. I feel so blessed to be one of the many shining stars at South Elementary!
As a former student, this honor means the world to me. It reminds me of my purpose: to make a lasting impact on my students' lives. Teaching goes far beyond academics. It involves building meaningful relationships and helping students believe in themselves. This honor inspires me to continue creating a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and confident in their ability to succeed.
What Inspired You to Enter the World of Teaching and Education?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in Mrs. Bainbridge's kindergarten class. She saw my love for learning and nurtured it, saving worksheets and chalk so I could go home and play school. She was everything I aspired to be. I still remember her kindness and passion for teaching, which made a lasting impact on me.
I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in Mrs. Bainbridge's kindergarten class. She saw my love for learning and nurtured it, saving worksheets and chalk so I could go home and play school. She was everything I aspired to be. I still remember her kindness and passion for teaching, which made a lasting impact on me.
I was fortunate to have many incredible teachers who deepened my love for education. However, on a more personal level, my passion for teaching was also shaped by the contrast between my school experience and my sister's. I loved school because of the positive, nurturing environment I had early on, but my sister didn't have many of those same experiences, which changed how she viewed education. Seeing that difference made me realize how critical those early years are in shaping a child's perception of learning.
I knew being an elementary teacher was my calling because I wanted to be one of those positive influences. I wanted to create a classroom where students felt valued, supported, and excited to learn—because those early experiences set the tone for their educational journey.
Do You Have A Special Memory or Moment from This School Year You Would Like to Share?
One of the most memorable moments in my class this year was the arrival of my student teacher. It wasn’t just meaningful for me; it also meant a lot to our students. The class welcomed her with open arms, became her biggest cheerleader, and was proud to help her grow just like she helped them. It reminded me of the community we’ve built in our classroom, a place where we uplift each other and learn together.
One of the most memorable moments in my class this year was the arrival of my student teacher. It wasn’t just meaningful for me; it also meant a lot to our students. The class welcomed her with open arms, became her biggest cheerleader, and was proud to help her grow just like she helped them. It reminded me of the community we’ve built in our classroom, a place where we uplift each other and learn together.
For me, it was a full-circle moment. I remember what I felt like when I started teaching—excited but nervous. I’m so thankful I got to mentor someone walking the same path I once did. It reinforced my belief that teaching isn’t just about lessons and knowledge. It’s about relationships, encouragement, and believing in each other.
Finally, What Do You Consider the Most Important Lesson You Help Students Learn?
The most important lesson I teach my students isn’t just about academics. It’s about building relationships and believing in themselves. When my students trust their abilities and learn to connect with others, they become more willing to take risks, face challenges, and grow. The best part is that this lesson stays with them long after they leave my classroom because it helps shape the people they become.
The most important lesson I teach my students isn’t just about academics. It’s about building relationships and believing in themselves. When my students trust their abilities and learn to connect with others, they become more willing to take risks, face challenges, and grow. The best part is that this lesson stays with them long after they leave my classroom because it helps shape the people they become.
That’s why I love it when former students come back to visit. They know that once they’re my student, they’re always my student! The connections we build do not come to an end when the school year concludes. They carry their “Mae Magic,” a term they created, as a reminder of the confidence, courage, and community they found in our classroom Ohana. Seeing them hold onto that magic is one of the greatest joys of being a teacher.