BALTIMORE, MD—ALonna Soward-Puryear, a fourth-grade teacher at Monocacy Elementary School in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), was named the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year on Friday.
Soward-Puryear was selected from a field of seven finalists during the 35th Annual Teacher of the Year Gala held at Valley Mansion by Martin’s in Hunt Valley. She is the first FCPS educator to receive the honor in 15 years.
“ALonna Soward-Puryear exemplifies the transformative power of education,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “Her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student success make her a beacon of excellence in Maryland’s classrooms.”
Leadership and Advocacy
Soward-Puryear’s contributions extend beyond her fourth-grade classroom. She actively mentors novice educators and serves on her school’s Improvement Team, STEM Team, and the Systemic Blueprint Team. She has also coordinated summer programs focused on prekindergarten/kindergarten readiness and addressing pandemic-related learning loss, and participates in the district’s Vanguard teacher leadership program.
Dr. Joshua L. Michael, State Board of Education President, praised her impact. “Her dedication to fostering academic growth and supporting both students and educators is truly inspiring,” he said.
Next Steps and Recognition
As the Maryland Teacher of the Year, Soward-Puryear will spend the upcoming year as a speaker and advisor, participating in meetings and events hosted by the National Teacher of the Year Program. She will also compete for the National Teacher of the Year award this spring.
The last FCPS educator to receive the statewide honor, chemistry teacher Michelle Shearer in 2011, went on to become the National Teacher of the Year.
Finalists for the 2026 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)
- Phillip Cropper (Worcester County)
A panel representing principals, educators, students, and families evaluated all finalists on criteria including student achievement, teaching philosophy, community involvement, and knowledge of education issues.
The Maryland Teacher of the Year Program is supported by presenting sponsors McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Baltimore and Northrop Grumman Corporation, and platinum sponsors including Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Maryland Public Television, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.
Photo via MSDE
Please follow and like us:
Disclaimer: This news has been automatically collected from the source link above. Our website does not create, edit, or publish the content. All information, statements, and opinions expressed belong solely to the original publisher. We are not responsible or liable for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any news, nor for any statements, views, or claims made in the content. All rights remain with the respective source.