HAGERSTOWN, MD (March 28, 2018) – The five finalists for Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year have been selected. One educator will be chosen to succeed Teacher of the Year Carolyn Holcomb from Western Heights Middle School and will be announced at the annual dinner and recognition at Fountain Head Country Club on April 25, 2018. The winner represents Washington County in the State Teacher of the Year program. The county program is a partnership with the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Finalists for the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year:

• Rachel Dayley – Williamsport High School – Spanish teacher – Rachel has taught for seven years in Washington County and has been nominated for Teacher of the Year two previous times. She is advisor of the Los Quijotes Chapter of Williamsport High’s Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and co-advisor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Rachel says, “I am very passionate about Spanish and even more passionate about communicating what I know in an engaging way to my students. It’s also crucial that the things we do in class are real-world applicable.”
• Lisa Fichthorn-Scumpieru – North Hagerstown High School – English teacher – Lisa has taught for WCPS for 24 years. Among many professional honors and certifications, she was named social media chair for this year’s Common Ground in Ocean City and chosen as a representative to the spring 2018 SoMirac Conference. Outside of school, Lisa has been involved in community activities in Williamsport and Hedgesville, and as a participant in events benefitting HEAL of Washington County. Lisa says, “My students engage, explore, explain, apply, reflect and extend their learning to demonstrate their path to mastery. They are integral in my lesson planning and every year I change and tweak what I teach to engage a new set of learners and thinkers.”
• Jeanine Horst – Cascade Elementary School – 5th grade teacher – Jeanine has taught in Washington County Public Schools for seven years. In her career, Jeanine has been named a Teacher of Promise by Frostburg University, been a STEM school presenter and STEM grant recipient at Cascade and received a Master’s Degree National Scholar Award. Outside of school, she’s involved in her church, San Mar Girls, Inc., Golden Living Nursing Home, Hagerstown Rescue Mission, Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Jeanine says, “Watching my students develop a love of learning, gain self-confidence, engage in thoughtful conversations without fear of rejection or disapproval…it’s magic to watch! I teach students to have grit, resolve, perseverance and to be the change in the world.”
• Sarah Staley – Clear Spring Elementary School – 3rd grade teacher – Sarah has taught for 5 years in Washington County Public Schools. Sarah is active in professional development at school as co-chair of the Professional Learning Committee, serving on the School Improvement Leadership Team and as the Apple Classroom representative at Clear Spring Elementary. Outside of school, she serves as a head coach with Girls On the Run of Washington County. Sarah says, “I believe outstanding teachers are successful because they have taken the time to build strong relationships with their students, parents and colleagues.”
• Angela Stouffer – Smithsburg High School – Advanced anatomy teacher – Angela has taught for 12 years for WCPS. Angela has earned recognition as exemplar teacher a number of times and been named staff member of the month multiple times at Smithsburg High, while also advising the Smithsburg CARES organization and the Smithsburg Academic Leadership Team. In the community, she is active at her church, the Red Cross, Tabitha’s Table and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Angela says, “Not all of my students come to me with the same background and understanding and it is my responsibility to meet them where they are and help them achieve excellence. I have very high expectations for my students, but I have to provide them with the resources and assistance to succeed”