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Marquelle Peavy of Stoddert recognized for leadership in education

Posted on by darion

Benjamin Stoddert Middle School Assistant Principal Marquelle Peavy has been honored as the 2024 Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Assistant Principal of the Year. Recognized for her unwavering commitment to students, Peavy works closely with teachers, staff and parents to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

“SM. Peavy is a caring, really nice woman and very helpful,” said Jahir Jamieson, an eighth-grade student. “The reason I say she cares is because she didn’t have to help me when I was in trouble, but she chose to to do this because she saw something in me that no one else saw.”

Beginning July 1, Peavy will assume the role of acting principal at Stoddert School following the appointment of current Principal Erica Williams as the new executive director of CCPS schools.

Peavy’s commitment to student well-being and academic achievement is widely recognized by her colleagues. Montello Washington III, a math teacher at Stoddert School, praised her efforts to cultivate a supportive school culture. “(She) embodies the qualities of an outstanding educational leader,” he said. “Her passion, dedication and collaborative spirit make her a true asset to Benjamin Stoddert.”

Peavy’s career with CCPS began in 2009 as a seventh-grade art teacher at Mattawoman Middle School. She then moved to St. Charles High School, where she taught freshman English and literacy and served as a ninth-grade band leader from 2014-2018. After a year of administrative internship in St. Charles Peavy was named Assistant Principal at Stoddert in 2019. In his current position, he serves as AP for Instruction and serves as the principal’s designee in Principal Williams’ absence.

As coordinator of the Stoddert Teacher Support Academy (TSA), Peavy has supported a diverse staff with different strengths for the past five years. Regularly visits classrooms, builds relationships, models teaching, and helps staff develop and improve their skills to benefit students’ learning.

“One of the things I respect most about Mrs. Peavy is her desire to provide high-quality instruction to all of our students,” said Casey Cleary, a math teacher at Stoddert and AVID coordinator. “She is always willing to give constructive feedback or take part in a lesson and provide support. Although we come from different backgrounds, all the observations she made about my teaching showed that she was able to provide me with relevant and useful ideas for improving teaching in my classroom.”

Peavy’s support was especially important for new teachers in helping them face the challenges of the profession. “Her encouragement and presence during difficult times gave me strength,” said India Larry, a math teacher at Stoddert. “Without her, I might not have discovered and established my passion; my life path would remain uncertain.”

Peavy’s willingness to help her colleagues is further proof of her commitment. “I’ve never seen her turn down a request for help,” said Angela Papandrea, an educational resources teacher at Stoddert School. “She is always willing to provide support and be a role model for exemplary teaching. Mrs. Peavy is committed to ensuring teachers provide the high-quality education our students deserve.”

Parents also appreciate Peavy’s kind and steady presence. “She worked with parents to make them trust her interventions and value her expertise,” Williams said. “I often told her that parents might come into her office ready to throw a fuss, but they left giving her a big hug.”

Tamika Goldring-Adams, mother of Stoddert eighth-grade student Rashard Adams, emphasized Peavy’s ability to connect with students. “Ms. Peavy has a way of reaching kids,” Goldring-Adams said. “She listens and I believe she is honest. My son Rashard respects and admires her. I personally cannot thank her enough for all her encouraging words, tough love and general guidance and support for my son.”

Students also hold Peavy in high regard. “He’s someone I can trust,” Rashard Adams said. “She always wants the best for me.” Carlia Watson, another eighth-grader, echoed similar sentiments, sharing how Peavy helped her make better decisions. “She showed me that my future was worth more. She stuck by me and made sure I got the second chance I deserved.

Peavy’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a positive culture at Stoddert. “She has created a supportive environment where students feel valued, respected and motivated to succeed,” said Charles McCoy, a computer science teacher at Stoddert. “Her emphasis on equality and diversity has ensured that all students have access to opportunities for development and achievement, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.”

Colleagues agree that Peavy’s strong leadership has fostered a sense of unity, pride and common purpose among the school community. “We are truly a better high school because of her efforts,” Williams said.