Five months ago, the ERHS community was shocked to learn that former Science and Technology Coordinator Dr. Donald Walker had silently retired. Luckily, the ERHS staff worked diligently to find someone to take his place: Dr. Sharla Peters-Smith. The monthly Parent Newsletter announced the decision on February 5, 2025. It stated that Dr. Peters-Smith “has been a member of the teaching staff for approximately 8 years” and has supported the S/T program in numerous capacities, such as “teaching various science classes, facilitating Research Practicum, and supporting Science and Tech Summer Bridge.” The Raider Review interviewed her via email to celebrate her new role.
Dr. Peters-Smith attended Morgan State University for her undergraduate degree in biology and received her doctorate in microbiology from Howard University. Before working at ERHS, she taught at Drew Freeman Middle School and has been an adjunct professor of natural sciences at Prince George’s Community College for over 14 years. According to the PGCPS website, Dr. Peters-Smith’s new role includes “overseeing and assisting with the planning, implementation, monitoring, and assessment of the Science and Technology Program.” Unfortunately, that means this year will be Dr. Peters-Smith’s last year as a classroom teacher. Though her students are sad to see her go, they wish her well as she adjusts to her new role. She hopes that when she leaves the classroom completely, she can “get to the point where students can drop by to ask questions and share concerns or successes.”
The biggest concern students, parents, and teachers had with Dr. Walker’s absence was the lack of communication beforehand. As the new S/T Coordinator, Dr. Peters-Smith plans to release newsletters and conduct parent panels and in-person meetings. As for student communication, she realizes that “there are only so many hours in a day” and doesn’t have much free time, as “there are a lot of new protocols and procedures to learn.” Nonetheless, she will make time for students during her office hours “once the dust settles” and she is fully out of the classroom.
Dr. Peters-Smith will finish her tenure as a science teacher this school year and will start next school year as the new S/T Coordinator. She hopes to “create an environment where students feel comfortable conferring with [her]” and believes good leadership begins with good listening skills. The ERHS community wishes her well on this next chapter of her teaching career.