Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the year

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), in cooperation with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., is proud to recognize men and women who serve in a teaching capacity and who help ensure educational excellence in Washington County. Anyone who has observed or benefited from an educator's skill and excellence is encouraged to nominate that individual. Students, parents, community organizations, businesses, colleagues, and administrators are invited to submit nominations.

A Teacher of the Year candidate must be a full-time teacher who spends the majority of his or her time teaching students, have a minimum of five years experience, and remain in a teaching position during the school year following his or her nomination.

Nominations for the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year are open through January 6, 2022. You can nominate a teacher at this link.

2021-2022 Teacher of the year

Caroline Schlegel from Smithsburg High School is the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year!! As part of her prize package, Caroline is enjoying the use of a car for a year, generously sponsored by Hagerstown Honda and Kia. She represented Washington County as one of eight finalists across the state in the Maryland Teacher of the Year program.

2022-2023 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Elizabeth McDonald from Boyd J. Michael, III Technical High School (formerly Washington County Technical High School) is the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year! As part of her prize package, Caroline is enjoying the use of a car for a year, generously sponsored by Hagerstown Honda and Kia. She represented Washington County as one of seven finalists across the state in the Maryland Teacher of the Year program.

Finalists for 2022-2023 include:

Libby Baumgardner - Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) teacher - Eastern Elementary
Caitlin Keller - Connections teacher - Boonsboro Middle
Erica Kozlowski - Second grade Magnet teacher - Fountaindale Elementary
Ann Palmer - Third grade teacher - Jonathan Hager Elementary