Educator Of The Month: Corinne Shuck Seidel

When Corinne Shuck Seidel took over as Broadneck Elementary’s full-time physical education teacher two years ago after being part-time for 16 years, she had big shoes to fill. Her predecessor, Colleen Rowe, was a mainstay at Broadneck Elementary for 35 years and the school gymnasium was named in her honor before her retirement in 2022.

Shuck Seidel was up to the task. A former University of Delaware lacrosse player, she had a passion for fitness and teaching, and she became the school’s Anne Arundel County Teacher of the Year nominee during the 2023-2024 school year.

“What I like most about being an elementary school PE teacher is how much excitement the students have when they come to my class,” she said. “The students love the fun fall stations that we set up. We turn the lights out and have the gym glow in the dark. Crab soccer is another favorite in the gym.”

As the name suggests, crab soccer is played when kids use their hands and feet to move around a gym.

Beyond those games, Shuck Seidel oversees the school’s Polar Bear Plunge team, field day, Water Ready with Drownproofing safety program, and the spring fling show, which includes two dance teams, a jump rope unit, a gymnastics team and a hula hoop contest. Roughly 180 kids participate each year.

That widespread involvement in Broadneck Elementary activities and Shuck Seidel’s approach to teaching made her an easy choice for the school’s Teacher of the Year nominee. She was one of 15 semifinalists for the honor, which ultimately went to Lake Shore Elementary music teacher Elizabeth Heist.

When asked about the recognition, Shuck Seidel said, “Being named Broadneck Elementary School Teacher of the Year was a great honor. I appreciate my principal for nominating me and was grateful to have made it as a semifinalist.”

As she prepares for another year at Broadneck Elementary, Shuck Seidel feels reassured by her decision to become a teacher.

“I wanted to have a positive impact on children, showing them how much they matter,” she said. “I sincerely care for each one of them. By encouraging them every day, I give my students the confidence that they can do anything. I provide them with the encouragement and eventual perseverance and determination to overcome challenges.”

Lauren Burke Meyer contributed reporting to this story.