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News & Photos
Faculty Awarded With Teaching Chairs
McDonogh’s endowed teaching chairs are the most prestigious awards a faculty member can receive. The School has 11 chairs, named by the donors, that recognize faculty for the discipline of their scholarship, the depth of their convictions, and the strength of their compassion. At the winter faculty and staff meeting on Thursday, February 13, Head of School Dave Farace ‘87 presented the Louis E. “Doc” Lamborn Distinguished Teaching Chair and the Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair to two deserving faculty members. Congratulations to both teachers who were surprised by the award and joined by their families at the event.
Amanda Alonso-Valenteen Awarded the Louis E. “Doc” Lamborn Distinguished Teaching Chair
The prestigious Louis E. “Doc” Lamborn Distinguished Teaching Chair, which recognizes excellent teachers who have been at the School for 15 or more years, was awarded to Upper School Spanish teacher Amanda Alonso-Valenteen. Alonso-Valenteen moved to the United States with her parents at age 16 and within six years, she earned a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a teaching job at McDonogh.
Early in her career, Alonso-Valenteen said, “Teaching cannot be reduced to technique; it comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher. The classroom setting should be abundant with participation…a community of learners where everyone is engaged and enthusiastic. One of my main objectives as a teacher is to create a positive learning environment where students are able to participate and speak freely with their classmates and teacher.”
In presenting the award, Farace shared how Alonso-Valenteen has lived up to her personal goals in her 17 years at McDonogh. He said, “Classroom participation is abundant and students are eager to be part of the vibrant give-and-take. She has high expectations, but her students know she will be there to support them.”
Tricia Crnilovic Awarded Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair
The Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair was named for the first Black faculty member at McDonogh because of his gifts of being able to relate to students on a personal level, build a sense of camaraderie, and inspire athletes of all ability levels.
In the 20 years since Tricia Crnilovic arrived at McDonogh, she has embodied his spirit. A team player, Crnilovic has held five distinct teaching roles and taught students at every grade level in the Lower School. And, she has done it all with love, devotion, and unwavering optimism. With her nurturing guidance, even the most hesitant students discover a love of learning and develop confidence in their abilities. She has an extraordinary gift for helping young learners see themselves as capable, valued, and full of potential. Parents of her students appreciate her gift and consistently praise her ability to understand and cultivate each child’s unique qualities.
At the presentation of the Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair, Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury was quoted as saying, “Through her outstanding service and joyful approach to education, she has become an indispensable beacon of light in our Lower School community, embodying the very best of what education can be.”
McDonogh’s endowed teaching chairs are the most prestigious awards a faculty member can receive. The School has 11 chairs, named by the donors, that recognize faculty for the discipline of their scholarship, the depth of their convictions, and the strength of their compassion. At the winter faculty and staff meeting on Thursday, February 13, Head of School Dave Farace ‘87 presented the Louis E. “Doc” Lamborn Distinguished Teaching Chair and the Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair to two deserving faculty members. Congratulations to both teachers who were surprised by the award and joined by their families at the event.
Amanda Alonso-Valenteen Awarded the Louis E. “Doc” Lamborn Distinguished Teaching Chair
The prestigious Louis E. “Doc” Lamborn Distinguished Teaching Chair, which recognizes excellent teachers who have been at the School for 15 or more years, was awarded to Upper School Spanish teacher Amanda Alonso-Valenteen. Alonso-Valenteen moved to the United States with her parents at age 16 and within six years, she earned a high school diploma, a bachelor’s degree, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a teaching job at McDonogh.
Early in her career, Alonso-Valenteen said, “Teaching cannot be reduced to technique; it comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher. The classroom setting should be abundant with participation…a community of learners where everyone is engaged and enthusiastic. One of my main objectives as a teacher is to create a positive learning environment where students are able to participate and speak freely with their classmates and teacher.”
In presenting the award, Farace shared how Alonso-Valenteen has lived up to her personal goals in her 17 years at McDonogh. He said, “Classroom participation is abundant and students are eager to be part of the vibrant give-and-take. She has high expectations, but her students know she will be there to support them.”
Tricia Crnilovic Awarded Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair
The Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair was named for the first Black faculty member at McDonogh because of his gifts of being able to relate to students on a personal level, build a sense of camaraderie, and inspire athletes of all ability levels.
In the 20 years since Tricia Crnilovic arrived at McDonogh, she has embodied his spirit. A team player, Crnilovic has held five distinct teaching roles and taught students at every grade level in the Lower School. And, she has done it all with love, devotion, and unwavering optimism. With her nurturing guidance, even the most hesitant students discover a love of learning and develop confidence in their abilities. She has an extraordinary gift for helping young learners see themselves as capable, valued, and full of potential. Parents of her students appreciate her gift and consistently praise her ability to understand and cultivate each child’s unique qualities.
At the presentation of the Paul E. Smith Teaching Chair, Head of Lower School Nancy Fleury was quoted as saying, “Through her outstanding service and joyful approach to education, she has become an indispensable beacon of light in our Lower School community, embodying the very best of what education can be.”