Dr. Carey Wright State Superintendent | Maryland Department Of Education
ALonna Soward-Puryear, a fourth-grade teacher at Monocacy Elementary School in Frederick County Public Schools, has been named the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during the 35th Annual Teacher of the Year Gala, marking the first time in 15 years that an educator from Frederick County Public Schools has received this honor.
Soward-Puryear was chosen from among seven finalists for her leadership and commitment to education. Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, said, “ALonna Soward-Puryear exemplifies the transformative power of education. Her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student success make her a beacon of excellence in Maryland’s classrooms. We are proud to have her represent our state.”
Dr. Joshua L. Michael, President of the State Board of Education, added: “On behalf of the State Board of Education, I extend heartfelt congratulations to ALonna Soward-Puryear. Her dedication to fostering academic growth and supporting both students and educators is truly inspiring. We look forward to her continued impact as a leader and advocate.”
Soward-Puryear mentors new teachers and participates on several school teams focused on improvement initiatives and STEM education. She coordinates summer programs aimed at preparing young children for school and addressing learning loss related to the pandemic. Additionally, she is involved in Frederick County’s Vanguard teacher leadership program.
As Maryland Teacher of the Year, Soward-Puryear will compete for National Teacher of the Year in spring 2026 and serve as a speaker and advisor at events organized by the National Teacher of the Year Program over the next year.
The last time an FCPS educator won this award was in 2011 when chemistry teacher Michelle Shearer went on to become National Teacher of the Year.
Other finalists for this year’s award included Jacqueline Sanderson (Anne Arundel County), Jevons Liu (Baltimore City), Natalie Pretzello (Howard County), Marcie Mamas (Queen Anne’s County), Emma Cohn Matthews (Wicomico County), and Phillip Cropper (Worcester County). Finalists were evaluated by a panel consisting of principals, educators, students, and families based on student achievement results, teaching philosophy statements, community involvement activities, and understanding current educational issues.
The gala took place at Valley Mansion by Martin’s in Hunt Valley. Sponsors for this year’s program include McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Baltimore and Northrop Grumman Corporation as presenting sponsors; Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Maryland Public Television, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company as platinum sponsors; with Baltimore Sun Media Group, Baltimore Orioles, Maryland State Education Association, and WJZ-TV/CBS Baltimore serving as gold sponsors.
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