BALTIMORE, MD—An English language arts teacher from Baltimore City has been named the 2025 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Kat Locke-Jones, who teaches seventh grade at Hampstead Hill Academy, was selected from seven finalists for the award, which was announced Friday evening at the 34th annual Teacher of the Year Gala.

Locke-Jones will now compete for the National Teacher of the Year award in April.

“Kat Locke-Jones has demonstrated her skill as an educator in the classroom and her passion for helping the community through her mental health nonprofit,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, state superintendent of schools. “She is a shining example of the excellent educators who invest their time and expertise in our students each day. We are so proud that she’s representing our great state this year.”

As the Maryland Teacher of the Year, Locke-Jones will spend the year as a speaker and advisor, traveling to meetings and events hosted by the National Teacher of the Year Program. She’ll also be honored at the White House in the spring.

“On behalf of the State Board, it is my pleasure to congratulate Kat Locke-Jones, our new Maryland Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board President. “We are excited to see her continued growth, leadership and commitment to our children.”

The other finalists were Stephanie Gerhold of Baltimore County; Brittany Rigdon of Cecil County; Jessica I. Nichols of Howard County; Kaitlyn Wright of Kent County; Jeremy Hillyard of Talbot County; and Gabrielle C. Remington of Worcester County.

A panel representing principals, educators, students, families, and the business community selected Locke-Jones and the six finalists. They were evaluated on student achievement, teaching philosophy, community involvement, and knowledge of education issues.

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

Photo via MSDE