Somerset County Teacher Earns Top Honor After Audit Confirms Close Race

Somerset County, MD - A Somerset County educator has been named the 2025 to 2026 Teacher of the Year following an independent audit that confirmed results from what turned out to be one of the closest competitions in recent memory.

Mrs. Corey Bivens, a teacher at Woodson Elementary School, earned the title with a final audited score of 85.3 percent. Ms. Myresha Bevins of Washington High School and Academy finished just behind her at 84.6 percent.

The margin between the two finalists was less than one percentage point.

Somerset County Public Schools brought in the auditing firm UHY to review the scoring procedures and calculations after the competition concluded. The audit confirmed the results, and SCPS made the official announcement on May 6, 2026.

Both educators had been named finalists after a highly competitive selection process that involved educators from across the school system. Mrs. Bivens was recognized as Elementary Teacher of the Year, while Ms. Bevins earned the Secondary Level Teacher of the Year title before the overall winner was determined.

Superintendent W. David Bromwell praised both finalists in a statement released with the announcement.

"We are exceptionally proud of both Mrs. Bivens and Ms. Bevins for the professionalism, leadership, and instructional excellence they demonstrated throughout this process," Bromwell said. "The closeness of the final audited scores reflects the outstanding caliber of educators we are fortunate to have serving our students each day. Mrs. Bivens and Ms. Bevins exemplify the very best of Somerset County Public Schools, and we congratulate them both on this tremendous accomplishment."

Mrs. Bivens will now represent Somerset County at the Maryland State Teacher of the Year competition. SCPS noted her dedication to students, commitment to academic excellence, and leadership within her school community as qualities that have made a lasting impact at Woodson Elementary School.

Ms. Bevins also received recognition from the district for her contributions at Washington High School and Academy.

The Teacher of the Year selection committee, school administrators, staff members, students, and community stakeholders all played a role in this year's process. SCPS extended thanks to everyone who contributed to the competition and its celebration of educational excellence in Somerset County.