The Maryland Teacher of the Year Program, an affiliate of the National Teacher of the Year program, serves all 24 Maryland local school systems. Educators selected for Teacher of the Year demonstrate excellence in teaching and inspire others within and beyond their school communities.
One Maryland State Teacher will be selected and named National Teacher of the Year, and seven additional candidates will be named National Finalists. The Maryland Teacher of the Year participates in numerous national events and speaking engagements.
2026 LEA Teachers of the Year
The Maryland Teacher of the Year selection process begins at the local education agency (LEA) and school level.
View the LEA Teachers of the Year
Recognition of the 2025 Teachers of the Year
Maryland State Board of Education and Maryland State Department of Education held a special recognition...
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Eligibility, Nomination & Selection
The Maryland Teacher of the Year selection process begins at the local education agency (LEA) and school levels. Each district uses its own guidelines to select a Teacher of the Year. Contact the local coordinators to learn more about how each LEA selects the Teacher of the Year.
Once the 24 LEA winners are chosen, a panel of judges narrows the candidates down to 7 finalists for Maryland Teacher of the Year. The winner is announced in October during a live ceremony at the Annual Awards Gala.
Contact:
Office of Communications
communications.msde@maryland.gov