Somerset County Public Schools Responds To Teacher of the Year Issue

We have received the following statement from Somerset County Public Schools in regards to the Teacher of the Year issue that we posted about yesterday. The following is the statement that was issued in a press release, directly from Somerset County Public Schools. Eastern Shore Undercover is posting this statement verbatim with no changes or opinion:

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Westover, MD - Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) proudly recognizes its 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year, honoring outstanding educators and the meaningful impact they have on students across the district.

This year's finalists are:

• Mrs. Corey Bivens, Elementary Teacher of the Year representing Carter G. Woodson Elementary School
• Ms. Myresha Bevins, Secondary Teacher of the Year representing Washington Academy and High School

Both educators exemplify the highest standards of instructional excellence, leadership, and dedication to student success. Their work reflects a deep commitment to supporting students and strengthening learning experiences throughout Somerset County Public Schools.

Following our recent Teacher of the Year Gala and Awards Ceremony, the Superintendent and Cabinet want to take a moment to address an issue with transparency and clarity. Ms. Myresha Bevins was incorrectly recognized as Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) Teacher of the Year.

Out of an abundance of concern, immediately following the Gala, we reached out to both candidates to review and address their concerns. The following morning, we met with both honorees to discuss a path forward that would reflect fairness, respect, and the integrity of the Teacher of the Year program.

Mrs. Corey Bivens and Ms. Myresha Bevins are exceptional educators who have earned the highest level of recognition in our school system. To honor their accomplishments equitably, and in recognition of our clerical error, both will receive the same awards and county-level accolades in recognition of their outstanding contributions to our students and school communities.

In alignment with our established Teacher of The Year process, we made the determination that Mrs. Corey Bivens will officially represent Somerset County Public Schools as the winner of the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year.

We congratulate and support Mrs. Corey Bivens as she moves forward to represent Somerset County Public Schools as The Somerset County Teacher of the Year at the state level, and we are confident she will do so with professionalism, passion, and pride.

SCPS congratulates both of these remarkable educators for their dedication, excellence, and unwavering commitment to the success of our students.

Note: The Teacher of The Year process is conducted by SCPS staff, independent of any direction by the Members of the Board of Education.

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Disclosure: Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.