Ask the MSDE Science Team

Mary Thurlow

Mary M. Thurlow is the Coordinator for Science in the Division of Instruction at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). As coordinator she is responsible for providing skilled expertise in the development, implementation, and evaluation of processes and products related to state science content standards, the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum for Science, assessment of student learning, and to collaborate with local school systems in the professional development of teachers in the area of science. Her oversight of PreK-12 science instruction and assessment ensures that there is a seamless transition across all grade levels. In addition, Mary provides technical assistance to local school systems, organizes the Governor's Academy for professional development of science teachers, and works with the MSDE Office of Mathematics to coordinate the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Gary Hedges

Gary Hedges is a Science Specialist responsible for curriculum, assessment, and professional development. He joined the science office at the Maryland State Department of Education from Montgomery County Public Schools where he was an instructional specialist for high school science and the project manager for a Math Science Partnership grant from the National Science Foundation. As a science specialist, his duties include coordinating the activities associated with the Governor's Academy for Biology, providing professional development related to the Biology H.S.A. for administrators and teachers, preparing resources for the on-line course in biology, and facilitating the refinement of the Voluntary State Curriculum for biology.

George Morse

George Morse is a Science Specialist who serves as the HSA Content Lead for Biology. His primary responsibilities include facilitating item development and review, range finding, and scoring for the biology HSA. He also works with the science team on the design and implementation of the CLG Toolkit for the web site. He joins the science office at the Maryland State Department of Education after working as a high school biology teacher and science instructional specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools where he assisted with the development of countywide assessments, curriculum, and instructional strategies.