Potomac Honors Outstanding Teachers

A very meaningful part of Potomac’s Opening Assembly is the presentation of the school’s Bill Cook Excellent Teaching Award. Named in honor of beloved teacher and assistant head of school Bill Cook, who passed away 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.” This year there were two honorees: Nick Hanson and Shefali Sardar.

Mr. Hanson joined Potomac’s Music Department in 2006. Through his efforts, the school’s handbell program has grown to include five ensembles, featuring 139 students in grades 5 through 12. In addition to leading Potomac’s program, he has spoken at music conventions and conducted at handbell festivals throughout the United States and in England, China, and Singapore. Many of his handbell compositions and arrangements have been published. 

Ms. Sardar is the Middle School’s first academic dean, a role she has held since 2016. In nearly 25 years at Potomac, she has held a number of classroom and administrative positions. She began as an MS teaching intern, then served as a sixth grade teacher, a language arts resource teacher, and the Middle School’s language arts and humanities coordinator before being named dean.

Both Mr. Hanson and Ms. Sardar are known for their focus on student success and unwavering commitment to excellence. We thank them for their many contributions to Potomac and congratulate them on receiving this well-deserved honor.