Sean McElhaney, formerly of Butler, earned an educator of the month award in Anne Arundel County, Md.

He is the principal at Old Mill Middle School North in Millersville, Md., which is a magnet school for the county. Previously he was a math teacher.

In the nomination for the award, his colleagues noted his belief all students can learn and that they will respond positively when challenged to a higher level.

They also said through a sense of humor, approachability and humility, he has established a risk-free environment where teachers, students and community members feel comfortable sharing opinions and trying new things or pitching “out of the box” ideas.

The nomination recognized his leadership for the school's consistent and effective changes in instructional practices and in the relationships established among staff, with students and within the community.

McElhaney graduated from Butler High School in 1986 and is a graduate of Clarion University.