Two Sonoma County teachers were among the 16 honored as Fellows in the 2011-12 Sarah D. Barder Educator Recognition Program administered by The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth.

Steve Williams from the Santa Rosa Accelerated Charter School and Nick Egan from Sonoma Country Day School were honored at the Sarah D. Barder Annual Conference, held Feb. 3-5 in Westlake Village in California.

The award honors educators who effectively motivate and inspire children with pronounced academic ability.

Nominations are culled from students from California, Nevada and Maryland who attend its summer and on-line programs. Students are asked to nominate the teacher who has had a positive effect on the student’s education. Nominated teachers are then invited to submit an essay describing their teaching philosophy. A panel of Hopkins educators selects a small number each year to become fellows in the program.

Nearly 400 educators have been honored as SDB Fellows in 24 years of the program.