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The Maryland State Department of Education, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, has announced the list of candidates who will be on the ballot for the upcoming election to fill the teacher member seat on the State Board. Voting will take place from Monday, November 3, to Monday, November 17, to determine which educator will serve a four-year term commencing July 1, 2026. This election is a critical process for ensuring that the voices and experiences of active teachers are represented at the highest level of educational policy-making in the state.
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Twenty educators, each meeting specific eligibility criteria, are competing for this significant role. To qualify for candidacy, individuals must have at least five years of active teaching experience in Maryland schools and hold an active Maryland educator certificate or license in at least one teaching area as of October 10. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes will be formally presented to the Governor for appointment to the State Board. The full list of candidates includes Alex Bohaska, Anya Joyce Brown, Shirley Byrd, Alex Cooper, Seidrick Drew, Theresa Mitchell Dudley, Ivy D. Gary, Kellie Harvey, Kelli I. Hickey, Sia Kyriakakos, Julian E. Lazarus, Kelly Tibbetts, Luis Abner Lopéz-Febres, Nicole Murray-Lewis, Ravi Pillalarmarri, Shannon Reed, Sandra E. Saint Léger, Sharrina Witherspoon Tucker, Tatanisha “Tiki” Love, and Taylor Schafer.
The outcome of this election will directly influence the perspectives brought to discussions and decisions concerning educational policies, curriculum development, and the overall direction of public education within Maryland. In order to vote, an individual must hold an active Maryland educator certificate or license. Teachers across the state are encouraged to review the candidate profiles and participate in the voting process. Further details regarding the candidates, the election procedures, and instructions on how to cast a vote are available on the State Board of Education Teacher Member Election webpage. This election provides an opportunity for the teaching community to shape the future of education in Maryland by selecting a representative to advocate for their interests and expertise on the State Board.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland State Department of Education.
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