Officials at The Potomac School in McLean gave Intermediate School math teacher Sharyn Stein the 2024 Bill Cook Award for Excellent Teaching during the school’s opening assembly Sept. 6.
Named in honor of teacher and Assistant Head of School Bill Cook, who died in 2016, the award is presented annually to teachers “who exemplify the commitment to excellence and love of learning that define a Potomac School education,” officials said.
Stein graduated from Amherst College before receiving a master’s degree in math education from Smith College. She began teaching nearly 40 years ago and has been part of the Potomac School community for more than three decades.
Since 1992, she has taught math and served as an adviser, softball and soccer coach, club leader and Discovery Day Camp director at Summer@Potomac.
“Ms. Stein’s enthusiasm for learning can energize any classroom,” said Will Bennett, a Potomac School senior and former student of Stein’s. “She motivated me to try my best and give it my all. She made me a better math student.”
Others consistently describe Stein as “a loyal friend – funny, authentic and steadfast in her values,” said Head of School John Kowalik. “She brings the same passion and energy today as she did when she started teaching. If you ask, she’ll tell you she has the best job in the world.”
For almost 30 years, Stein has encouraged students to volunteer with the Little League Challenger Division, an adaptive baseball program for youths with physical and intellectual challenges. Last year, she officiated a wedding for two Potomac School alumni, Kowalik added.
“Sharyn’s generosity of spirit makes a lasting impact on all who meet her,” he said.
Asked her thoughts on being an educator, Stein boiled it down to optimism.
“What other career would allow and encourage me to surround myself with people, both young and old, who stand firm in their belief of seeing the world the way it should be and not the way it is?” she said.
