Chesapeake High School students who have been in social studies classes taught by Fred Titus are clear about his impact on their lives: It’s special.
It’s so special that Titus has been named the Secondary Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Council for Social Studies. The prestigious statewide recognition is given annually to honor outstanding leadership, instructional excellence, and commitment to social studies education.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by a student for this award. This means the most. This makes everything I do worth it,” said Titus, who is in his eighth year at Chesapeake and 11th with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. “I hope to continue to instill a sense of pride in our nation's history and motivate students to explore their own roles within our democracy and to carry that pride forward into the future.
The student to whom Titus referred is Michele Fadele, a senior at Chesapeake who is also president of the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils. In her nomination, she highlighted the profound impact Titus had on her educational journey as her ninth-grade AP U.S. History teacher.
“It takes a special teacher to believe in a student before they believe in themselves, and Mr. Titus was that teacher for me,” Fadele wrote. “He creates a space where students feel safe to challenge assumptions and think critically, leaving them ‘changed for good.’ ”
Chesapeake High School Principal Shanna Cahoon called Titus a dedicated leader inside and outside of the classroom.
“Mr. Titus consistently demonstrates outstanding professional qualities in his work with students, colleagues, and the broader school community, as evidenced by his remarkable student outcomes and his leadership as an advisor and mentor,” Cahoon said.
Titus will be formally honored during the group’s annual conference next fall, where educators from across the state gather to celebrate excellence in social studies teaching and learning.