Teacher of the Year Gala Program
2027 Teacher of the Year Awards Gala
October 9, 2026
Valley Mansion by Martin's
Hunt Valley, Maryland
Awards Ceremony
5:30 - 6:20 p.m. - Reception
6:30 p.m. - Program
Nicky Zizaza, WJZ-TV
Mistress of Ceremonies
Performance
"Star Spangled Banner," "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and "Guantanamera,”
Members of the Hammond Middle School Wind Ensemble
Introduction/Processional
Marcie Mamas, 25-26 Queen Anne’s County Teacher of the Year
Phillip Cropper, 25-26 Worcester County Teacher of the Year
Remarks
Carey M. Wright, Ed.D.
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
James C. Bell, Jr., Ed.D.
Maryland State Board of Education Vice President
Keynote Address
ALonna Soward-Puryear
2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year
Frederick County Public Schools
Dinner
Remarks
Erika Herbert
Vice President, Naval & Oceanic Systems, Northrop Grumman
Christopher Mann
Owner/Operator, McDonald's ® Family Restaurants of Baltimore
The Honorable Aruna K. Miller
Lieutenant Governor of Maryland
Announcement: 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year
Carey M. Wright, Ed.D.
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools
Closing Remarks
Mistress of Ceremonies
Nicky Zizaza | WJZ-TV
Nicky Zizaza joined WJZ in July 2022. She anchors the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts. After 10 years in news, she cannot imagine doing anything else; sharing your stories continues to be her greatest privilege.
Originally from the east African nation of Rwanda, Nicky moved to the U.S. before the climax of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis and grew up in Michigan.
The Emmy Award-winning journalist holds a master's degree from Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University. Prior to that, she attended Andrews University, where she graduated with high honors and a Bachelor of Science in Communication.
Nicky's reporting has taken her to the heart of Flint, Michigan's neighborhoods devastated by the water crisis, and to Kalamazoo, Michigan where she brought the stories of the 2016 Uber shooting victims to the forefront. In 2019, she covered the arrest of a 6-year-old by a Florida school resource officer. Her reporting led to the Kaia Rolle Act, which bans the arrest of anyone under the age of 7. Most recently, she extensively covered Florida's feud with federal education officials over school mask mandates.
When she is not behind the anchor desk, you'll find her working on DIY projects, listening to 90s R&B, or binge-watching Investigation Discovery. Her proudest achievement in life isn't awards or accolades, but rather her three daughters with her husband, whom she credits with making her a better mother and wife. She and her family live in Howard County. She would love to hear from the people who help make Baltimore so great.
Thank You to Our Corporate Partners
Presenting
McDonald’s® Family Restaurants of Baltimore
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Platinum
Educational Systems FCU
Maryland Public Television
MPT Thinkport
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Gold
The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Orioles
Maryland State Education Association
WJZ-TV/CBS Baltimore
First Financial Federal Credit Union
2026-2027 LEA Teachers of the Year
⭐️ TOY Finalists Selected to Compete for the Maryland Teacher of the Year
Allegany County – Elaine Davis
Mt. Savage Middle School, Science, 8th Grade
Elaine Davis, an eighth-grade science teacher at Mount Savage Middle School, is in her eighth year of teaching in Allegany County Public Schools. She serves as Green Team leader, developing the school’s Green School program focused on recycling, pollinator gardens, tree plantings, and other student-led environmental initiatives. She holds a master’s degree in Teaching from Frostburg State University in addition to a master’s degree in Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She received her bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Frostburg State University.
Anne Arundel County – Joe Bigsby
Broadneck High School, STEM
Joseph Bigsby recently moved to Broadneck High School in Annapolis after previously teaching STEM at Magothy River Middle School. He is the Head Coach of the Robotics Team, a sponsor of the Strategy Gaming Club, and a leading STEM advocate. He received a master’s degree in Leadership in Education and bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Towson University, and earned professional teaching certificates in Technology and Engineering Education, Business Education, and Secondary Mathematics.
Baltimore City – Dr. Otis Eldridge
Hamilton Elementary School, Band and Music
Dr. Otis Eldridge, the band director, music teacher, and arts integration specialist at Hamilton Elementary, is a product of Maryland’s public education system. Dr. Eldridge currently serves on the Maryland State Department of Education Standards and Frameworks Validation Committee for Fine Arts and was elected Member-at-Large for the Maryland Music Educators Association in 2022. Recognized as City Schools’ Outstanding Instrumental Music Educator in 2023, he holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Morgan State University and brings over 11 years of experience in music education and arts integration.
Baltimore County – Alison Benkovic ⭐️
Chadwick Elementary School, English Language Development
Alison Benkovic, a National Board Certified Teacher, is a 21-year educator at Chadwick Elementary in Windsor Mill where she has spent her entire career. She teaches English Language Development and serves as an Advanced Academics Facilitator in addition to the Instructional Leadership Team. She holds degrees in Elementary Education from Salisbury University, Reading Education from Towson University, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Loyola University Maryland.
Calvert County – Dr. Mary Macauley
Northern Middle School, Science, 7th Grade
Dr. Mary Macauley, a science educator, serves as a mentor, club sponsor, and Professional Learning Community Lead at Northern Middle School in Owings. She serves on the Instructional Leadership, Positive Behavior Intervention Support, and School Improvement teams, and provides county-wide professional development. A finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, she has received numerous national teaching awards in biology and environmental science. She received a doctorate in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation from Walden University and master’s degrees in teaching and biology from the University of Maryland, where she also received bachelor’s degrees in Behavioral Science and Earth Science.
Caroline County – Brittany Busick
Denton Elementary School, 2nd Grade
Brittany Busick, a second‐grade teacher at Denton Elementary, is an advocate for Professional Learning Communities. As a professional learning leader at her school, she was chosen to model data-driven intervention practices in a video that was shared across the district. Her mathematics instruction techniques have been highlighted in her work at the district level. She holds a master’s degree from La Salle University and bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University.
Carroll County – Emily Brynes ⭐️
Carroll County Career & Technology Center, Business and Entrepreneurship
Emily Brynes, Business and Entrepreneurship teacher at CCCTC, is a National Board Certified Teacher and two-time Unsung Hero Award recipient. She previously chaired the Business Department and School Improvement Team and advised multiple student classes and clubs. She created the marketing internship program, served as a Peer Observation Leader, and is currently developing a new Entrepreneurship and Small Business completer program that extends and builds upon the school’s business offerings. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business from Palm Beach Atlantic University and master’s degree in Educational Leadership from McDaniel College.
Cecil County – K. Nicole Walker
Elkton High School, 10-12 Grade Science
K. Nicole Walker is a veteran educator with 21 years of experience in science instruction. She serves on the Superintendent’s Teaching and Learning Council, Instructional Team, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Beyond the classroom, she advises the Black Student Union and Sweetheart Step Team, helps lead the Annual African American History Festival, and received the inaugural Cecil County NAACP C. Laney Hoxter Visionary Leadership Award. She holds a master’s degree in Biology from the University of Kentucky and a bachelor’s degree from Howard University.
Charles County – Emily Leedy
J.C. Parks Elementary School, 3rd Grade
Emily Leedy, a third-grade teacher at J.C. Parks Elementary in Indian Head, serves as a grade-level team leader, Professional Learning Team member, and as a mentor for new educators. She has organized Family STEM Nights for her school, and helped design and implement the school-wide improvement plan. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University and master’s degree in Environmental Education from Slippery Rock University.
Dorchester County – Cierra Robinson
Maple Elementary School, Pre-Kindergarten
Cierra H. Robinson, a Pre-K educator at Maple Elementary in Cambridge, serves on the School Improvement Team and Wellness Committee. She supports students beyond the classroom by providing free, year-round hair services. She continues a family legacy of teaching excellence; her mother and sister were also recognized as Teacher of the Year. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University.
Frederick County – Alicia Souder
Parkway Elementary School, Literacy Specialist
Alicia Souder, a Literacy Specialist with 21 years of service at Parkway Elementary in Frederick, serves on the School Improvement Team, Literacy Leader Team, facilitates MSDE reading courses, and teaches at Hood College. She also coaches Girls on The Run and leads Literacy Family Involvement nights. A graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education and master’s degree in Reading.
Garrett County – April Fleming
Northern Garrett High School, HS English
April Fleming, a National Board Certified Teacher, teaches tenth grade English and AP Seminar at Northern Garrett High School in Accident where she has worked for the past 27 years. She has served in a variety of capacities including Instructional Coach, Mentor Teacher, Yearbook Advisor, National Honor Society Advisor and Department Chairperson. She received a master’s degree in Modern Humanities from Frostburg State University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Frostburg State University, with a minor in writing.
Harford County – Michael James ⭐️
North Harford High School, HS English
Michael James, a National Board Certified Teacher, serves as the English Department Chair at North Harford High School in Pylesville. With more than 30 years in education, he has taught in several schools and served Harford County Public Schools as a teacher, coach, curriculum writer, and professional development leader. He works on district workgroups on grading, reading, and technology while serving as the Voices of Equity advisor and editor of Misentity magazine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Washington and Jefferson College and a master’s degree in Reading Education from Towson University.
Howard County – Kacy Valentine ⭐️
Lake Elkhorn Middle School, ELA, 7th ELA Team Lead
Kacy Valentine has spent the last 22 years as an English language arts teacher at Lake Elkhorn Middle School in Columbia where she serves as Instructional Team Leader. She started the after-school basketball program, coordinates school-wide incentives, and organizes literacy events for the community. She began her teaching career with Baltimore City Public Schools. She holds a master’s degree in Education from UMBC and undergraduate degree in English Language and Literature from Georgetown University.
Kent County – Kevin Nelson
Kent County High School, Automotive Technology
Kevin Nelson started a career in the automotive industry, becoming an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Automotive Technician. He teaches the automotive program at Kent County High School in Worton. He has served as a foundation of technology teacher, intro to welding teacher, JV and Varsity softball coach, SkillsUSA advisor, Class of 2016 advisor, and an ASE evaluation team leader. He studied at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Chesapeake College, and University of Phoenix to achieve a Maryland Advanced Professional Certification.
Montgomery County – Michelle Elie
Montgomery Blair High School, English
Michelle Elie is a National Board Certified Teacher, Bethesda Magazine’s 2019 Extraordinary Educator, and founder of the African American Studies Academy at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring. She currently teaches 12th-grade honors English, African American Literature, and advises Silver Chips Online. She directed the school’s annual Black History Month celebration for five years and founded the school system’s first slam poetry team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Buffalo and master’s degree in Secondary English from the University of Maryland, with certificates in Bilingual Special Education and Equity in Education.
Prince George's County – Clara Allsup ⭐️
International High School at Langley Park, English
Clara Allsup transitioned to teaching English to multilingual learners after serving in the Air Force. A National Board Certified Teacher and child of immigrants, she provides professional learning for educators and leaders, designs her school’s master schedule to expand academic support for multilingual learners, and chairs the Recruitment and Intake Committee to connect newly-enrolled students with critical services. She is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Maryland, researching ways school systems can support students with disrupted education.
Queen Anne's County – Alice Tickler ⭐️
Church Hill Elementary School, First Grade
Alice Tickler, a National Board Certified first-grade teacher, serves as a literacy leader at the school, county, and state levels through the Maryland Literacy Association, Maryland READS, and the MSDE Teacher Advisory Council. She has experience as a Reading Specialist and has led professional development aligned with the Science of Reading. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in Reading from Loyola University.
Somerset County – Corey Bivens
Carter G. Woodson Elementary School, Media Specialist
Corey Bivens, a 13-year educator in Somerset County Public Schools, has served as a second-grade and kindergarten teacher, math interventionist, and is currently a media specialist. A member of the Association of Teacher Educators, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University and Advanced Professional Certificate. She is pursuing a master’s degree in Instructional Technology with a focus in Library Media from Towson University.
St. Mary's County – Kinnon Williams
Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center, Welding, Grades 10-12
Kinnon Williams transitioned to the classroom from a career in welding. A Welding teacher at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center in Leonardtown, he has worked for St. Mary’s County Public Schools for 12 years. He holds Welding certification from New River Community College and Industrial Maintenance certification from Rappahannock Community College.
Talbot County – Holly Sump
Chapel District Elementary School, Kindergarten
Holly Sump, a National Board Certified kindergarten teacher at Chapel District Elementary School in Cordova, serves on the school improvement team and co-chairs the hospitality committee. She has led professional development on the science of reading, data analysis, and educational technology at school and district levels. She also coaches youth sports and volunteers with her church’s Vacation Bible School program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Salisbury University.
Washington County – Robin Papa
Clear Spring High School, Math
Robin Papa, a Mathematics Teacher at Clear Spring High School, also serves as a track and field coach and Student Government Association advisor. Her community work includes the Clear Spring American Legion Auxiliary and St. Paul’s Reformed Church, where she is the cemetery association treasurer and a children’s church teacher. She holds a master’s degree in Education from Frostburg State University and bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, with a minor in Economics, from Shippensburg University.
Wicomico County – Dr. Chelsea Taylor ⭐️
James M. Bennett High School, English, Grade 10
Dr. Chelsea Taylor has taught at James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury for 12 years, and serves as a tenth grade English teacher, literacy coach, and instructional leadership team co-chair. A college essay mentor, she is pursuing National Board Certification. Dr. Taylor co-published her research on drama strategies in English Journal for use by teachers nationwide, and has presented at local, state and national conferences. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a doctorate in Literacy Studies from Salisbury University, where she is an adjunct professor.
Worcester County – Kiersten Conway
Snow Hill High School, English, Grade 10
Kiersten Conway teaches English and serves as an active member on several Snow Hill High School and WCPS committees, including the District Literacy Committee and School Improvement Literacy Team. She founded a backpack program that provides meals for students during weekends and breaks, helping address food insecurity for students in need. She earned a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix and bachelor’s degree in English from Salisbury University.
Maryland State Board of Education
Joshua L. Michael, Ph.D., President
James C. Bell, Ed.D., Vice President
Lorena Wu, Student Member
Dr. Peggy Carr
Alverne “Chet” Chesterfield
Kenny Clash
Monica Goldson, Ed.D.
Nick Greer
Dr. Irma E. Johnson
Marcy Leonard
Dr. Kim Lewis
Nicole Murray-Lewis
Xiomara V. Medina, M.Ed.
Samir Paul, Esq.
Maryland State Superintendent of Schools
Carey M. Wright, Ed.D.
2027 Teacher of the Year Selection Panel
Kat Locke-Jones
2025 Maryland Teacher of the Year
Joe Goetz
Maryland Association of Boards of Education
Linda Chandler
Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals
Dr. Ebony Terrell Shockley
Maryland Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Traci Tatum
Free State PTA
John Lang
Council of Educational, Administrative, and Supervisory Organizations of Maryland
Kenya Campbell
American Federation of Teachers
Table Hosts
Salisbury University - Seidel School of Education
Maryland Retired School Personnel Association
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union
First Financial Federal Credit Union
Maryland State Education Association
Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Education
McDaniel College
