Schools
HCPSS Teacher 1 Of 7 Finalists For 2024-2025 Maryland Teacher Of The Year
A social studies teacher at River Hill High School is one of seven finalists for the 2024-2025 Maryland Teacher Of The Year award.
HOWARD COUNTY, MD — One of the seven finalists in the running for 2024-2025 Maryland Teacher of the Year hails from Howard County.
The finalists are Jessica I. Nichols, Howard County; Kat Locke-Jones, Baltimore City; Stephanie Gerhold, Baltimore County; Brittany Rigdon, Cecil County; Kaitlyn Wright, Kent County; Jeremy Hillyard, Talbot County; and Gabrielle C. Remington, Worcester County.
Nichols teaches social studies at River Hill High School. A national board certified teacher, she acts as teacher development liaison and serves on the school leadership team. Nichols also sponsors clubs, coaches speeches and debates, and organizes professional development workshops. She also was elected to the Howard County Democratic Central Committee.
Find out what's happening in Ellicott Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Baltimore on Friday.
“I congratulate all of the finalists for their unwavering commitment and exceptional dedication,” said Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “Their hard work and passion extend far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of our students and inspiring excellence throughout our communities. We celebrate their contributions and the profound impact they make every day.”
Find out what's happening in Ellicott Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year will compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced in April, and spend the 2024-2025 school year as a speaker and advisor on statewide education issues. They will be honored by the president at the White House next spring.
The finalists were selected from a group the 24 local teachers of the year, representing all Maryland systems. The selection panel represented key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, labor partners and families. Finalists were evaluated against rigorous criteria that included student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement and knowledge of educational issues.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
