The race for the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year award is in its final lap, with seven educators from across the state named as finalists. According to an announcement made by the Maryland State Department of Education and covered by FOX Baltimore, the finalists were selected by a panel from a pool of 24 local school system teachers of the year and are evaluated based on a blend of factors, including their teaching philosophy, student achievement, and community involvement.
Among the distinguished finalists are Jacqueline Sanderson from Anne Arundel County, Jevons Liu representing Baltimore City, ALonna Soward-Puryear of Frederick County, Natalie Pretzello from Howard County, Marcie Mamas for Queen Anne's County, Emma Cohn Matthews of Wicomico County, and Phillip Cropper from Worcester County. "Each of our finalists represents the very best of Maryland educators," said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, in a statement cited by FOX Baltimore. Their varied contributions extend from leading districtwide initiatives to mentoring novice educators and spearheading after-school programs.
The announcement of the winner is slated for a gala reception on September 26. Beyond state recognition, the victor will contend on a national level for the National Teacher of the Year Award, set to be declared in April. Maryland teachers have thrice clinched the national title since 2006, a testament to the caliber of the state's educators.
WBAL-TV profiled each finalist, illuminating the diversity and expertise within the group. From Sanderson’s efforts to assist multilingual students to Cropper’s leadership in Worcester Technical High School's culinary arts program, each finalist has uniquely impacted their schools and beyond.
Sponsors for the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program include local entities such as McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Baltimore and Maryland Public Television, along with technological heavyweight Northrop Grumman Corporation.
