Lorrie Armfield always knew she wanted to be an educator. 

A product of Prince George’s County Public Schools, Armfield credits her teachers for instilling in her a love of learning and her parents for their encouragement.

“My parents always encouraged me to dream big and to make a plan to achieve those dreams,” said Armfield. “For me, that was being a teacher.”

Now, after more than a decade in education, her passion for the job has won her recognition by the Riverdale Park Town Council as November's Teacher of the Month.

Armfield began her career as a math instructor, teaching for eight years at Drew-Freeman Middle School. She came to William Wirt Middle School five years ago, where she is a valued colleague and staff member.

William Wirt Principal Prentice Christian described working with Armfield as “exciting and wonderful.”

“Mrs. Armfield motivates students by having an enthusiastic, infectious attitude and by making students responsible for their learning,” Christian said in an email.

In addition to teaching science and serving as the science department chair, Armfield is the advisor to the Student Government Association and to Girls Excelling In Mathematics and Science.

She also serves as the "Green Challenge" lead teacher for the school’s nationally recognized Communication, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) program.

Armfield said her primary goal as an educator is “scholar achievement.”

“By using data to drive instruction, integrating technology into the curriculum, and allowing scholars opportunities to access the curriculum in multiple ways, I continue to work to foster a culture for learning in my classroom,” Armfield said.

This year, Prince George’s County selected Armfield to share her methods with science educators from all over the country at the 2011 National Science Teachers’ Association Conference in California.

“I am extremely passionate about teaching, and earnestly and sincerely work to ensure that all scholars maximize their potential,” says Armfield. “It is my desire to develop life-long learners, critical thinkers, and problem-solvers.”