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There is nothing more satisfying than to see a beloved colleague recognized for their dedication to their job. And, there is nothing more fun than trying to guess who, at the annual back-to-school faculty and staff meeting, will be the next worthy recipient of a teaching chair. On Monday, August 22, using a format designed to keep the Horn Theatre audience in suspense for as long as possible, Head of School Dave Farace ‘87 named the recipients of two faculty chairs—but only after describing their role and their impact on the McDonogh community. The honorees, their families, friends, and co-workers could not have been more delighted.

The Rollins-Luetkemeyer Teaching Chair awarded to Margaret Bitz
Farace began his remarks with a statement that could have described many of the educators in the room who have enriched the lives of hundreds of members of the McDonogh Family. He said, “This morning, it gives me great pleasure to announce the ninth recipient of the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Teaching Chair—a person who is best described as loving and accepting. Students who are lucky enough to find themself in this teacher’s homeroom, have truly found a home. Their teacher is warm, accepting, supportive, and kind.”

Without giving away who he was speaking about, Farace went on to describe that when the teacher being honored came to McDonogh 23 years ago, she launched into serving the community in numerous ways. “She said, ‘yes’ to every opportunity, took on every challenge, and tried on every ‘hat’ offered to her,” he said, noting that in addition to teaching and coaching, she eagerly takes on extra responsibilities and assumes leadership roles—particularly with activities that involve character development and service. Farace shared that she helped develop the Lower School Cultivating Character program; touched on her commitment to the Greatest Good McDonogh program; and described her role in coordinating the third grade’s shoeshine stand which resulted in hand-tied Blankets of Hope lovingly made for cancer patients.

“Not only is our honoree a steadfast advocate for children, but she is a faithful friend,” Farace continued. “Colleagues describe her as joyful, loving, positive, compassionate, nurturing, humble, hopeful, and inspiring. She has also been called a mission keeper, a natural leader, and the ‘absolute best teacher I know.’”

Before officially announcing Margaret Bitz as the recipient of the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Teaching Chair, Farace shared a quote from the honoree herself who has said, “Teaching is my calling. If my students leave my classroom in June having mastered all the academics I taught, I am pleased and proud. But, if they leave me feeling loved and accepted for exactly who they are, then, and only then, do I feel I have done my job.”

Raymond B. Oliver Teaching Chair Awarded to Stasha Gibbs
Playing on the idea of trust, Farace began the presentation of the Raymond B. Oliver Class of 1940 Teaching Chair by saying the recipient is an educator with an enormous “trust” fund. “Into that fund, students and colleagues have deposited information, opinions, questions, concerns, confidences, hopes, and fears. In return, they have received kindness, compassion, wisdom, sensitivity, discretion, and a sense of safety. Above all else, they know that this teacher is someone they can trust,” he said.

Again without revealing the recipient’s name, Farace spoke about her arrival at McDonogh in 2007 and how she quickly became a student favorite. He described her as a patient listener, known to offer subtle suggestions for putting friendships, projects, papers, and peace of mind back on track. Farace noted that thanks to her leadership qualities and ability to share insights without judgment, she is a crucial part of the School’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work. He added that her roles as her division’s Equity and Inclusion Coordinator and last year as the School’s Team Leader have been invaluable.

He said that students listen to the recipient of the chair because they are interested in what she has to say and colleagues seek her out to plan and coordinate lessons as well as to laugh and commiserate.

Speaking about her position as the Middle School librarian Farace said, “She is most passionate about connecting students with great books.” And he quoted a colleague who said, “She has a remarkable understanding of those who find refuge in books. She is a keen observer of the shy, the pensive, the academically gifted, and the struggling learner. Like a physician, she prescribes the exact cure for each reader depending upon what they need at that moment.”

Before Craig Oliver ‘70 presented the Ray Oliver Teaching Chair to Stasha Gibbs, Farace returned to the idea of trust and reminded the audience that two years ago, a member of the McDonogh Family established an endowment in her name and that of her associate, Sarah Beach—an accolade that further enhanced her “trust” fund.

 Endowed chairs are the most prestigious honor an educator can earn. The award recognizes great teaching as well as commitment to the McDonogh community. Each recipient, who is selected by the administrative team, holds the chair for two to three years and receives a stipend over and above his or her salary. Ten endowed teaching chairs have been established at McDonogh. They have been named in honor of “Dutch” Eyth, Ray Oliver, Tom Harper, Doc Lamborn, John Grega, Charles Kinard, Sue Newton, Wright Abbott, Paul Smith, and the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Foundation.