Finalists Have Been Announced for 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year
STATE OF MD - Seven educators have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year award. The announcement was made on September 5, 2025, by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland State Board of Education.
The finalists are Jacqueline Sanderson from Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Jevons Liu from Baltimore City Public Schools, Alonna Soward-Puryear from Frederick County Public Schools, Natalie Pretzello from the Howard County Public School System, Marcie Mamas from Queen Anne's County Public Schools, Emma Cohn Matthews from Wicomico County Public Schools, and Phillip Cropper from Worcester County Public Schools.
"Each of our finalists represents the very best of Maryland educators," said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. "Their dedication, creativity, and leadership are shaping the future of our students and communities. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding educators and thank them for their commitment to excellence in education."
The finalists were chosen from 24 local school system teachers of the year by a panel of leaders from Maryland educational organizations. The selection criteria included student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement, and knowledge of educational issues.
Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board of Education President, also commented on the finalists. "Our Maryland Teacher of the Year finalists are mentors, innovators, and advocates for student success," he said. "The State Board is proud to honor their achievements and celebrate their inspirational impact in classrooms across Maryland."
The winner will be announced at a gala on Friday, September 26, at Martin's Valley Mansion in Hunt Valley. This teacher will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award in April and will serve as a speaker and advisor on statewide education issues for the 2025-2026 school year.
Three of the finalists are from the local coverage area are as follows:
Marcie Mamas is a Business Teacher at Kent Island High School in Queen Anne's County. She has taught business and marketing for 30 years and previously taught at Chestertown Middle School. Mamas is a past Maryland Business Teacher of the Year and has led various school committees.
Emma Cohn Matthews teaches English at Wicomico High School, where she also serves as a department chair for English and World Language. Additionally, she chairs the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program, advises the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and mentors teacher candidates.
Phillip Cropper leads the Culinary Arts program at Worcester Technical High School. He was recently named the 2025 James H. Maynard National Teacher of the Year and holds the 2024 SkillsUSA Maryland Advisor of the Year title. Cropper also serves on multiple industry boards.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year Program, which has been part of the National Teacher of the Year Program for over 30 years, is sponsored by several organizations, including McDonald's Family Restaurants of Baltimore and Northrop Grumman Corporation.
