Background: Michael Gilchrist is the Mathematics Chair at Thomas Stone ES. He is a graduate of Bowie State University where he received his Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. He also attended Towson University receiving his Masters degree in Mathematics education. Currently, Mr. Gilchrist is continuing his education at the University of Phoenix focusing on Education Administration.

Accomplishments: Mr. Gilchrist is the only SMARTlab facilitator in the State of Maryland. He is also a member of the school's leadership team and the coach of the award-winning Thomas Stone Step Squad.

Principal's Message: Mr. Gilchrist is one of the most effective and organized teachers I’ve ever worked with over the years. He is dedicated to sparking student engagement in mathematics by utilizing varieties of technological tools in his lessons. After his students complete their math assignments, he allows them to perform extension activities in the SMARTlab that expand on problem-solving strategies and promote high self-esteem. His teaching philosophy has ensured that students are given real life learning experiences within a warm and caring classroom environment. Mr. Gilchrest is a phenomenal instructional leader.

Why I Love Teaching:  My calling in life has always been to teach. My mother is a Special Educator in Montgomery County Public Schools, and my father is the guidance counselor at Ridgecrest ES in Hyattsville. I truly believe that all children can learn mathematics at a high level when they are consistently pushed in their daily interactions and classroom instruction. Giving the children the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in high-level mathematics tasks forces them to discuss their findings and use the accountable talk with their peers that we, as educators, are looking for. I firmly believe that an effective mathematics classroom has students critiquing themselves and each other in order to reach the state standards. Children truly are our business and we need to care for their education the same way we would if we were CEO's of a Fortune 500 company.