BALTIMORE, MD News (9/11/2024) – The Maryland State Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) have revealed the seven finalists for the prestigious 2024-2025 Maryland Teacher of the Year Award. These educators, selected from local school systems across the state, will compete for the honor of representing Maryland in the National Teacher of the Year competition. The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Baltimore on Friday, October 4.
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The finalists are:
- Kat Locke-Jones, Baltimore City
- Stephanie Gerhold, Baltimore County
- Brittany Rigdon, Cecil County
- Jessica I. Nichols, Howard County
- Kaitlyn Wright, Kent County
- Jeremy Hillyard, Talbot County
- Gabrielle C. Remington, Worcester County
Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, praised the finalists for their dedication, stating, “Their hard work and passion extend far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of our students and inspiring excellence throughout our communities.” Dr. Joshua L. Michael, President of the State Board of Education, added, “These educators exemplify excellence and lifelong learning.”
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The Maryland Teacher of the Year will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced in April. The winner will also serve as a statewide education ambassador during the 2024-2025 school year and will be honored by the President at the White House next spring.
The finalists were chosen from the 24 local Teachers of the Year, representing each Maryland school district. They were evaluated on criteria including student achievement, teaching philosophy, community involvement, and understanding of educational issues. The selection panel consisted of representatives from key Maryland educational organizations, including principals, teachers, school boards, labor partners, and families.
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Since 2006, Maryland has seen three of its teachers recognized as National Teachers of the Year, a testament to the state’s commitment to educational excellence. The Maryland Teacher of the Year Program is sponsored by several organizations, including McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Baltimore, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Maryland Public Television.
Profiles of the Finalists
- Kat Locke-Jones, Baltimore City: A seventh-grade English language arts teacher at Hampstead Hill Academy, Locke-Jones is a co-founder of SL24 and Sean’s House, a mental health foundation aimed at supporting students. She focuses on teaching students to tell their own stories.
- Stephanie Gerhold, Baltimore County: Gerhold teaches ESOL and Spanish at Woodlawn Middle School and has 20 years of experience in education. A Fulbright Scholar and National Board-Certified Teacher, she also writes curriculum and coaches other educators.
- Brittany Rigdon, Cecil County: Rigdon teaches Landscaping and Horticulture at the Cecil County School of Technology. She runs the school’s Floral and Greenhouse businesses and serves as co-advisor of the FFA. She has a diverse background, including work as a pre-college advisor and admission counselor.
- Jessica Nichols, Howard County: Nichols, a social studies teacher at River Hill High School, is a National Board-Certified Teacher. She serves on her school’s leadership team and is active in professional development, student clubs, and community leadership.
- Kaitlyn Wright, Kent County: Wright teaches seventh-grade English language arts at Kent County Middle School and directs the Playmakers Summer Camp at the Garfield Center for the Arts. She has been instrumental in reviving the school’s theater program.
- Jeremy Hillyard, Talbot County: Hillyard teaches Spanish and ESOL mathematics at Easton High School. His students’ work in supporting Central American communities has been nationally recognized. He also serves as a mentor and advocate for Spanish-speaking students.
- Gabrielle Remington, Worcester County: A reading specialist at Stephen Decatur Middle School, Remington holds certifications in Special Education and ESOL. She is active in her local community through philanthropic efforts and has contributed significantly to school improvement initiatives.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year finalists showcase the breadth of talent and commitment within the state’s education system. As the October 4 announcement approaches, anticipation builds for which of these accomplished educators will represent Maryland on the national stage.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors.
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