BOWIE, Md. — A teacher at Tulip Grove Elementary School in Bowie is being rewarded for going the "Extra Yard."
Madelaine Galarza was nominated by the University of Maryland Athletics staff to receive $2,000 as part of an initiative run by The College Football Playoff Foundation (CFP Foundation). The "Extra Yard for teachers" award is "dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four core areas: resources, recognition, professional development, recruitment and retention." The money awarded goes toward fulfilling classroom needs.
Galarza, who's been a teacher for nearly 30 years, was nominated for her tireless dedication to her job. That includes helping incoming kindergarten students prepare for the school year, stepping in to teach a third grade class during another teacher's long-term absence, and working with a student before school to provide extra reading support to get him back on grade level.
The award was a big surprise for Galarza, whose family had secretly gathered at Tulip Grove ahead of the reveal.
"She never expects to be acknowledged for what she does, but she has a wonderful reputation as a teacher," Galarza's proud mother, Debbie Schwartz, told WUSA9. "She gives her all and is always willing to go the 'Extra Yard,' as they say."
"Maddie Galarza is an unstoppable force for children," former Tulip Grove principal Bryan Baudoin said. "[She] is one of the smartest people I've ever met, and is also just one of the kindest, nicest people I've ever ever met."
Galarza says she was "completely caught off guard and surprised" as she was greeted with flowers and a big check Tuesday morning. Her family, faculty and students clapped and cheered as she accepted the reward. High-fives and hugs followed as she got to do a victory lap around the school halls.
"It's such an honor for people to recognize the work that I do, and to be in a place where I'm able to do the work I love to do," Galarza told WUSA9.
The CFP Foundation says it has awarded $80 million to benefit education nationwide. Galarza is one of at least 550,000 teachers supported across 60,000 schools.