Going The Extra Yard

Mrs. Madelaine Galarza, a Prince George’s County public school teacher, was awarded $2,000 on Tuesday as part of the Big Ten conference’s Big Teacher Day celebration. 

Several University of Maryland Athletic Department representatives surprised Galarza with the award at her elementary school in Bowie, Md. The Big Ten, partnered with Extra Yard for Teachers and the College Football Playoff Foundation, provided the award as part of a meaningful initiative to honor exceptional K-12 educators.

At the surprise ceremony, Tulip Grove Elementary School students, faculty, and even Galarza’s family lined the hallways and cheered on Galarza as she walked through. She then received a giant check with her name on it and a Maryland swag bag with Terps gear. 

“I’m just absolutely touched by the recognition that I’ve been given,” Galarza said. “And that many people clearly recognize the hard work that I do and the passion that I have for children learning. I love coming to work every day.”

Galarza, who has been teaching for more than 30 years, was nominated because of her significant impact as a teacher within the University of Maryland campus community. Maryland Athletics identified her as a local educator who exemplified dedication and passion in transforming students' lives. 

According to the CFP Foundation website, 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 goes toward fulfilling classroom needs.

Galarza, a Maryland alum, described the special feeling of being recognized by her alma mater as a professional educator. 

“The fact that Maryland is where I went to college and was where the beginning of my desire to become a teacher started,” Galarza said. “It’s just really touching.”

From Sept. 14 to 21, the CFP Foundation awards $80 million to benefit education nationwide. Galarza was one of at least 550,000 teachers supported across 60,000 schools. 

Galarza will be recognized during the first second quarter media timeout of Maryland football’s game against Villanova on Sept. 21. She was also given four tickets to attend the game with her family. 

Danielle Dyer, a Community Engagement Intern with Maryland Athletics, led the initiative. She says providing support for Mrs. Galarza was an excellent opportunity to showcase Maryland Athletics’ support for teachers in the community. 

“Working on this initiative was very rewarding for me,” she says. “I remember my teachers' impact on me at my PGCPS school; many were without recognition. It was amazing to provide Mrs. Galarza with this spotlight and see her Tulip Grove community and family support her so strongly. It showed we made the right choice in Mrs. Galarza as our awardee, and I am happy she can use this award to support her classroom efforts.”