Overview
Teacher of the Year
Blue Ribbon Schools
Milken Educator Award Program
Teachers of Promise
Braddock Middle School, 6th Grade Math
Jeannette Milburn is a dedicated educator with 12 years of experience in Allegany County. Her accolades include the 2022 Honorary Award of Excellence in Curriculum and Instruction from Frostburg State University and the 2023 Curriculum Associates Extraordinary Educator Award (Ready Math). Beyond teaching, Milburn leads Students Helping Other People (SHOP) and math professional development for ACPS educators.
Belle Grove Elementary School, English Language Development
Jacqueline Sanderson has dedicated her career to empowering multilingual learners. A National Board Certified English Language Development (ELD) teacher and Maryland Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) member, Sanderson elevates English proficiency and coaches staff on scaffolding grade-level content. She has launched innovative programs that support multilingual students and strengthen school-family partnerships. Sanderson contributed to the adoption of district-wide ELD and math curricula.
Academy for College and Career Exploration, Special Education & Math
Jevons Liu, a National Board Certified special education and mathematics teacher, founded the AP Calculus program to expand Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) access. He has also taught in the Maryland correctional institutions. Liu leads staff wellness and oversees academics for student-athletes. A Grosvenor Teacher Fellow with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, he mentors new teachers, serves on the Maryland Teacher Advisory Council and co-chairs the Maryland Blueprint Pillar 5 Advisory Committee.
Catonsville Middle School, English Language Arts, Grades 6 & 8
Brittany Jakubowski, known as "Ms. Jak" by her students, is a Baltimore County school graduate who has been teaching for 11 years. She is a driving force behind two growing initiatives at her school—the Ladies of Legacy mentoring club, which supports community programs, and the annual Diversity Fair, which she founded. Over the past seven years, the Diversity Fair has collaborated with more than 30 area businesses, colleges, and leadership groups.
Calvert High School, Social Studies
Bill Voshell initially transitioned to teaching at the National Archives. He teaches courses in criminal justice, civics, and world history, and earned a “Who’s Who in Teaching” recognition in 1999. Voshell left teaching for corporate America, where he designed a successful mentoring program. Since returning to education in 2014, he has participated in various teaching and service roles at Calvert High.
North Caroline High School, U.S. History
Andrew Buffenmyer, an AP U.S. History and U.S. History teacher, is a 9th Grade Academy Team Lead and Mentor Teacher, and a longtime member of the School System Improvement Council. He earned National Board Certification in 2024 and holds an Advanced Professional Certificate. Known as “Buff,” he also coaches a student team for National History Day and received History Day Teacher of the Year honors in 2018, 2022, and 2023.
Winfield Elementary School, Humanities, Grade 5
Amy Glascock, a fifth-grade Humanities teacher, is a nationally Board Certified Teacher and an adjunct instructor at McDaniel College. She is a member of the Teacher Advisory Council with the National Constitution Center, serves as chair of her school’s Kindness Club, and co-chairs the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) Committee. Glascock is active in providing professional development, mentoring new teachers, and supervising student teachers and interns.
North East Middle School, Social Studies, Grade 8
Taylor Schafer currently teaches eighth-grade U.S. History at North East Middle School in Cecil County, where she has been since 2016. She coaches the middle school volleyball team, chairs the Staff Social Committee, moderates the Volleyball Club, and leads fundraising for and coordinates the annual eighth grade Washington, DC field trip. She writes curriculum, mentors new teachers, and recently served as a clinical educator for a student-teacher from the University of Delaware.
F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, Physical Education
Alison Cheney has worked with pre-K through 12th-grade students over her 17-year career and currently teaches adapted physical education. She facilitates therapy pool sessions, organizes community engagement activities, and serves on multiple leadership teams. Her career highlights include the Society of Health and Physical Educators Maryland (SHAPE MD) 2023 Simon A. McNeely Award and serving as the district representative for Special Olympics Maryland Unified Track and Field.
Choptank Elementary School, Grade 5
Tanya Travis is actively involved in school leadership. She has contributed to the School Improvement Team, Choptank School Leadership Team for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusion, Faculty Council, Equity Task Force, and the district Textbook Selection Committee. Travis has facilitated professional development sessions, mentored new teachers and interns, and was honored with the Maryland Society for Educational Technology 2009 Maryland Outstanding Educator Using Technology Award. She has dedicated 15 years to teaching fourth and fifth grades.
Monocacy Elementary School, Grade 4
ALonna Soward mentors novice teachers, fostering instructional excellence, and promotes a community of academic growth through initiatives like the Ready for Pre-K/K and the Elevate Academy summer programs. She actively contributes to school improvement through the School Improvement Team, the System Improvement Team for Blueprint Implementation, and the Student Engagement Team.
Broad Ford Elementary School, Grade 2
Laura Witt began her teaching career with the Garrett County Board of Education in 2008. She has held a variety of positions, which include teaching all elementary grade levels (PreK-5), Title I Coordinator, and English language arts Lead Teacher. Witt is also the Broad Ford Elementary yearbook advisor, serves on the School Improvement Plan Committee, and is a volunteer volleyball coach at Southern High School.
Havre de Grace Elementary School, Special Education
Shelby Hultquist, an eight-year veteran educator, serves as a chair for the special education team, a member of the School’s Performance and Achievement (SPA) team, and a coach of eight years for a nonprofit lacrosse team. Hultquist has been a mentor teacher, model classroom for new special educators, and enjoys providing professional development.
Hammond Middle School, Band Director
Natalie Pretzello is a passionate educator, advocate, and leader who empowers students through music from elementary to college. As Hammond Middle School’s band director, she increased enrollment by over 30% in one year. A National Board Certified Teacher, she leads professional development, mentors new teachers, sponsors extracurricular activities and serves statewide as an adjudicator, director, and coordinator.
Kent County Middle School, Kent Alternative Program
Cheryl Fracassi teaches the Pathways Academy, supporting students identified with significant behavioral challenges in general education settings. In the summer, she serves as site director for Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties at Washington College, helping local students maintain academic skills. She also coaches Girls on the Run and has received several awards of excellence for her impactful work in education.
Parkland Middle School, Instrumental Music
Megan Campbell teaches Instrumental Music to more than 200 students at Parkland Magnet Middle School, where she has grown the program by 75%. Prior to teaching at Parkland, Campbell taught at John F. Kennedy High School. A 20-year veteran educator, she helped launch the MCPS Marching Band Showcase and contributed to numerous countywide programs.
Non-Traditional Program South, Science, Grades 11-12
Lafiya Tunstall teaches environmental science and earth and space science electives to 11th and 12th graders at Non-Traditional Program South, where she also serves as Senior Class Sponsor. Tunstall is a New Teacher Leader, mentoring one new teacher weekly and assisting with professional development for a group of Novice Educators monthly. She also serves as an instructor for the PGCPS Climate Change En-ROADS Professional Development sponsored by the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center.
Kent Island High School, Business
Marcie Mamas, a past Maryland Business Teacher of the Year, has 29 years of experience teaching marketing, management, and yearbook design and publishing. Known for project-based learning and real-world relevance, Mamas empowers students through entrepreneurial thinking and service-driven initiatives. A passionate mentor, DECA advisor, and school leader, she has chaired key committees and shaped school improvement efforts.
Somerset Intermediate School, Science, Grade 6
Kristen Bratcher is passionate about fostering curiosity and is dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment for all students. She served on the committee that helped select the middle school science curriculum and continues to offer resources and collaboration to support its implementation. She is also a member of the Parent/Family Engagement Committee.
Esperanza Middle School, Science, Grade 8
Tylita Butler, a dedicated eighth-grade science educator at Esperanza Middle School, drives positive change as an Instructional Leader, the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) lead, and an Equity and Diversity Leader. Butler also leads after-school intramurals and coaches basketball at Leonardtown High School, earning conference Coach of the Year in 2024 and 2025. She serves as a Summer Camp Therapeutics Leader and a Focus Elite flag football coach. Butler’s unwavering commitment to education, equity, and athletics establishes her as a formidable leader and mentor.
Easton High School, Music Teacher & Band Director
Lauren Rose has taught at Easton High School for 17 years, holding a variety of professional titles, including department chair, committee chair, coach, and class/club advisor. Rose currently serves as director of instrumental music, including the marching, concert, jazz, beginning and advanced steel drum bands. She has fostered student engagement through organizational partnerships striving to better the Easton community.
Boyd J. Michael III Technical High School, Cosmetology
Marjorie Chapman, a National Board Certified Teacher in Career and Technical Education, has led the cosmetology program at Boyd J. Michael III Technical High School for 13 years. Passionate about preparing students for future success in college or career, Chapman leads a Professional Advisory Council, connecting education with industry leaders. Her expertise extends to teacher mentoring and supporting educators working toward National Board Certification.
Wicomico High School, English
Emma Cohn Matthews teaches English at Wicomico High School, where she also serves as chair of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), chair of the English and World Language departments, Gender and Sexuality Alliance advisor, and after-school tutor and mentor to pre-service teacher candidates. She is completing National Board Certification. Her research in curriculum reform supports her continued advocacy for equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning environments.
Worcester Technical High School, Culinary Arts
Phillip Cropper has led the Worcester Technical High School Culinary Arts program since 2012, emphasizing real-world learning through his “Education Without Walls” philosophy. A decorated educator, 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 serves on multiple industry boards and brings extensive experience as an Executive Chef and Pastry Chef to shape the future of culinary education.