Maryland State Board and MSDE Honor 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year

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Maryland State Board and MSDE Honor 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year

BALTIMORE (May 28, 2026) – Today, the Maryland State Board of Education and Maryland State Department of Education held a special recognition for the 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year at the Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building. Each of the state’s 24 school systems selects a Teacher of the Year who exemplifies outstanding work as an educator.  

The Teacher of the Year honorees represent exceptional commitment to education, equity, and school community leadership. Over the next year, they will collaborate to address priority issues in teaching and learning across the state.

“These 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year exemplify what it means to be champions for Maryland’s children,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board of Education President. “Thank you for the lives you shape, the futures you help build, and the hope and opportunity you create for young people across our state. It is no exaggeration to say that we cannot do this work without you. Without teachers, there is no public education system.”

“The Maryland Teacher of the Year Program showcases outstanding educators from every grade level across subject areas and programs in all 24 local school systems,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “They reflect the very best of the teaching profession, inspiring young minds and hearts each day. We can never thank our teachers enough for their work before the bell rings and long after the last school bus leaves.”

The honorees reflect a diverse group of educators spanning pre-kindergarten through high school across subject areas. This fall, one honoree will be selected as Maryland Teacher of the Year and will go on to compete for National Teacher of the Year.

The full list of 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year is below:

  • Allegany County Public Schools — Elaine Davis, Mount Savage Middle School 
  • Anne Arundel County Public Schools — Joseph Bigsby, Magothy River Middle School
  • Baltimore City Public Schools — Dr. Otis Eldridge, Hamilton Elementary School
  • Baltimore County Public Schools — Alison Benkovic, Chadwick Elementary School
  • Calvert County Public Schools — Dr. Mary Macauley, Northern Middle School
  • Caroline County Public Schools — Brittany Busick, Denton Elementary School
  • Carroll County Public Schools — Emily Brynes, Westminster High School
  • Cecil County Public Schools — K. Nicole Walker, Elkton High School
  • Charles County Public Schools — Emily Leedy, J.C. Parks Elementary School
  • Dorchester County Public Schools — Cierra Robinson, Maple Elementary School
  • Frederick County Public Schools — Alicia Souder, Parkway Elementary School
  • Garrett County Public Schools — April Fleming, Northern Garrett High School
  • Harford County Public Schools — Michael James, North Harford High School
  • Howard County Public School System — Kacy Valentine, Lake Elkhorn Middle School
  • Kent County Public Schools — Kevin Nelson, Kent County High School
  • Montgomery County Public Schools — Michelle Elie, Montgomery Blair High School
  • Prince George’s County Public Schools — Clara Allsup, International High School at Langley Park
  • Queen Anne’s County Public Schools — Alice Tickler, Church Hill Elementary School
  • Somerset County Public Schools — Corey Bivens, Carter G. Woodson Elementary School
  • St. Mary’s County Public Schools — Kinnon Williams, Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center
  • Talbot County Public Schools — Holly Sump, Chapel District Elementary School
  • Washington County Public Schools — Robin Papa, Clear Spring High School
  • Wicomico County Public Schools — Dr. Chelsea Taylor, James M. Bennett High School
  • Worcester County Public Schools — Kiersten Conway, Snow Hill High School

 

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