Third grade teacher Ellen McMichael was named the winner of the inaugural Charles G. Muir 1760 LS Faculty Chair during the end-of-year faculty breakfast. Named in honor of beloved teacher and former Lower School Head Charley Muir 1760, this award for professional development and growth of endowment is given to an outstanding member of the Lower School Faculty every three years. She or he will embody Charley’s distinct gifts for learning, teaching, and leadership informed by the principles of child development and an understanding of these in relationship to an individual child ‘s academic and personal growth. The recipient will have a deep commitment to engaging program development and the continuing education of faculty and parents with regard to child development. Head of Lower School Sue Szczepkowski presented McMichael with the chair. 

"What a privilege it is to present the 2025 inaugural Charles G. Muir Lower School Faculty Chair.

This Lower School teacher has dedicated her career to learning about how children learn, how their brains develop, and how to best tailor teaching to find that sweet spot for each child. With an eye both to the child’s past learning experiences as well as to the skills they need to be successful, she knows that one size does not fit all, and she advocates for the needs of every student.  She strives to make her lessons and curriculum engaging for students, but also accessible to meet them where they are. Beyond academic learning, she is equally passionate about helping children grow in social and emotional learning. 

This teacher is unwavering in her commitment to guiding GA students to be better humans. Both in the classroom as well as in her role leading the Lower School Community Service Organization, she helps students develop a strong moral compass and a sense of empathy and compassion. Taking the GA Mission to heart, she challenges her students, families, and colleagues to be generous with their time, talents, and resources.

An Upper School colleague shared, “I have had the pleasure of working with this teacher on many different history projects that brought together students from the Upper and Lower schools. She always balances fun with advanced thinking and problem solving, teaching my Upper School students as the Lower Schoolers."

“Dynamite” is word used to describe this teacher, who inspires her colleagues with a sense of energy, playfulness, and curiosity. One colleague shared, “She is one of the most multi-dimensional, dedicated and extraordinary educators I have ever worked with. On a daily basis, she creates an environment of engaged, adventurous, and differentiated learning for every single one of her students.” Another shared, “In every way and every day she is the teacher you want to learn from, work with, and be mentored by. She has a humble, patient, and thoughtful manner, and is always striving for connection and innovation.”

This teacher, inspirational to her students and colleagues alike, has worn many hats during her time at Germantown Academy. She lives and breathes the spirit of this new Faculty Chair, fully deserving to be recognized for her commitment to Germantown Academy students and the community.  I am delighted to award  the Charles G. Muir Lower School Faculty Chair to third grade teacher, Ellen McMichael."