Dr. Carey Wright State Superintendent | Maryland Department Of Education
The Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland State Board of Education have named seven finalists for the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year award. The announcement was made on September 5, 2025.
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 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. The winner will be announced at a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Hunt Valley on September 26.
“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.”
“Our Maryland Teacher of the Year finalists are mentors, innovators, and advocates for student success,” said Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board of Education President. “The State Board is proud to honor their achievements and celebrate their inspirational impact in classrooms across Maryland.”
The teacher selected as Maryland Teacher of the Year will represent the state in competition for National Teacher of the Year in April 2026 and will serve as a speaker and advisor on education issues throughout the next school year.
Finalists were chosen from among 24 local school system teachers who had previously been recognized as teachers of the year within their districts. A selection panel composed of representatives from various educational organizations evaluated candidates based on criteria such as student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement, and knowledge of educational issues.
Maryland has participated in the National Teacher of the Year Program for more than three decades. Since 2006, three educators from Maryland have received national recognition through this program. Sponsors supporting this year's state-level program include McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Baltimore, Northrop Grumman Corporation, NTA Life, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Maryland Public Television, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.
Brief profiles were provided for each finalist:
Jacqueline Sanderson is an English Language Development teacher at Belle Grove Elementary School in Anne Arundel County who leads curriculum initiatives focused on multilingual students and family partnerships.
Jevons Liu teaches special education and mathematics at Academy for College and Career Exploration in Baltimore City; he mentors other educators statewide and participates in several advisory roles related to education policy.
ALonna Soward-Puryear is a fourth-grade teacher at Monocacy Elementary School in Frederick County involved with multiple school improvement teams and summer programs addressing early learning readiness.
Natalie Pretzello directs band programs at Hammond Middle School in Howard County while mentoring new teachers and serving as a guest conductor statewide.
Marcie Mamas teaches business courses at Kent Island High School in Queen Anne’s County with three decades’ experience shaping career education programs.
Emma Cohn Matthews is an English teacher at Wicomico High School who also chairs behavioral support programs and mentors future teachers while completing her National Board Certification.
Phillip Cropper leads Worcester Technical High School’s Culinary Arts program; he recently earned national recognition as James H. Maynard National Teacher of the Year.
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