BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Board of Education has named seven finalists in the running to become the state’s next Teacher of the Year. The winner of the statewide award will be announced on October 4th.

The finalists were selected from a group of 24 local teachers of the year from across the state. They were evaluated based on criteria that included student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement, and a knowledge of educational issues.

“I congratulate all of the finalists for their unwavering commitment and exceptional dedication,” said Dr. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “Their hard work and passion extend far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of our students and inspiring excellence throughout our communities. We celebrate their contributions and the profound impact they make every day.”

The Maryland Teacher of the Year process is coordinated by the Maryland State Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education. The winner of the statewide award will compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award. The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Baltimore on Friday, October 4th. The winner will also be the speaker and advisor on statewide education issues. They will also be honored by the President at the White House next spring.

Baltimore City – Kat Locke-Jones, Hampstead Hill Academy

Kat Locke-Jones teaches seventh-grade English language arts at Hampstead Hill Academy. As a Baltimore City Schools model teacher and 2023 TOY Finalist, she is passionate about teaching students to write and tell their own stories. She is co-founder of SL24 and Sean’s House, a mental health foundation focused on educating, assisting, and supporting students.

Baltimore County – Stephanie Gerhold, Woodlawn Middle School

Stephanie Gerhold teaches ESOL and Spanish at Woodlawn Middle School. A Fulbright Scholar and National Board-Certified Teacher, she has taught Spanish for 20 years, kindergarten to college. She also writes curriculum, coaches teachers, designs professional development, and serves as Department Chair for World Languages, ESOL, Science, and Library Media Services.

Cecil County – Brittany Rigdon, Cecil County School of Technology

Brittany Rigdon teaches Landscaping and Horticulture Production at Cecil County School of Technology. She serves as the school’s FFA co-advisor and as Region 5 Coordinator on the Maryland FFA Board of Directors. Rigdon also runs the school’s Floral and Greenhouse businesses, which allow students to learn trade skills and work directly with community members. She has also taught in Wilmington, Delaware, worked as an admission counselor at Dakota Wesleyan University, and as a pre-college advisor at Iowa State University and the University of Delaware through the Federal TRiO programs.

Howard County – Jessica Nichols, River Hill High School

Jessica Nichols teaches social studies at River Hill High School. A National Board Certified Teacher, she acts as Teacher Development Liaison and serves on the school leadership team. Nichols also sponsors clubs, coaches speeches and debates, and organizes professional development workshops. She was also elected to the Howard County Democratic Central Committee.

Kent County – Kaitlyn Wright, Kent County Middle School

Kaitlyn Wright teaches seventh-grade English language arts at Kent County Middle School where she has also revived the theater program, served on various leadership teams, and helped develop the curriculum. Wright promotes growth through storytelling in her community as director of the Garfield Center for the Arts, Playmakers Summer Camp. Previously, she taught in Wicomico County for nine years.

Talbot County – Jeremy Hillyard, Easton High School

Jeremy Hillyard teaches Spanish and ESOL mathematics at Easton High School where his students’ work in supporting Central American communities has been nationally recognized by The Pulsera Project. He is a mentor and advocate for Spanish-speaking students. In the community, he is a board member of the local education foundation and serves as a Friends of the Library council member for the Talbot County Free Library.

Worcester County – Gabrielle Remington, Stephen Decatur Middle School

Gabrielle Remington is a reading specialist at Stephen Decatur Middle School where she serves on the School Improvement Team and as a teacher-researcher. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with certifications as a teacher in Special Education, English as a Second Language (ESOL) and Secondary Education English. Ms. Remington also serves as vice president of the Ladies Philoptochos Organization, which promotes philanthropic outreach in the local community and secures funds for community education initiatives.

“These educators exemplify excellence and lifelong learning,” said Dr. Joshua Michael, State Board of Education President. “They create transformative learning experiences and help our students realize their full potential. On behalf of the State Board of Education, I share our sincere gratitude for their deep commitment to improving the lives of children through public education.”

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.