7 Finalists Named For Maryland Teacher Of The Year

Seven local school system finalists vying for the title of 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year have been announced.

The Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland State Board of Education announced the seven finalists from 24 candidates on Thursday.

The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s Valley Mansion in Cockeysville on Oct. 9. The Maryland Teacher of the Year will compete for the National Teacher of the Year award, to be announced in April, and spend the 2026-2027 school year as a speaker and advisor on statewide education issues.

Maryland's Teacher of the Year finalists are:

• Alison Benkovic, Baltimore County Public Schools;
• Emily Brynes, Carroll County Public Schools;
• Michael James, Harford County Public Schools;
• Kacy Valentine, Howard County Public School System;
• Clara Allsup, Prince George’s County Public Schools;
• Alice Tickler, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools; and

• Dr. Chelsea Taylor, Wicomico County Public Schools.

“Maryland’s educators continue to raise the bar for excellence, and this year’s finalists exemplify that commitment in every way,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “Their passion for teaching, their focus on equity and their unwavering belief in each student’s potential inspire all of us. We are proud to recognize their exceptional work and celebrate the difference they make every day.”

Below is information about each of the seven candidates.

Alison Benkovic — Chadwick Elementary School, Baltimore County Public Schools

Alison Benkovic, a National Board Certified Teacher, is a 21-year educator at Chadwick Elementary in Windsor Mill, where she has spent her entire career. She teaches English Language Development and serves as an advanced academics facilitator in addition to sitting on the instructional leadership team.

Emily Brynes — Carroll County Career & Technology Center, Carroll County Public Schools

Emily Brynes, business and entrepreneurship teacher at CCCTC, is a National Board Certified Teacher and two-time Unsung Hero Award recipient. She previously chaired the business department and school improvement team and advised multiple student classes and clubs. She created the marketing internship program, served as a peer observation leader, and is currently developing a new Entrepreneurship and Small Business Completer Program that extends and builds upon the school’s business offerings.

Michael James — North Harford High School, Harford County Public Schools

Michael James, a National Board Certified Teacher, serves as the English department chair at North Harford High School in Pylesville. With more than 30 years in education, he has taught in several schools and served Harford County Public Schools as a teacher, coach, curriculum writer and professional development leader. He works on district workgroups on grading, reading and technology while serving as the Voices of Equity advisor and editor of the school’s Misentity magazine.

Kacy Valentine — Lake Elkhorn Middle School, Howard County Public School System

Kacy Valentine has spent the last 22 years as an English language arts teacher at Lake Elkhorn Middle School in Columbia, where she serves as instructional team leader. She started the after-school basketball program, coordinates school-wide incentives, and organizes literacy events for the community. She began her teaching career with Baltimore City Public Schools.

Clara Allsup — International High School at Langley Park, Prince George’s County Public Schools

Clara Allsup transitioned to teaching English to multilingual learners after serving in the Air Force. A National Board Certified Teacher and child of immigrants, she provides professional learning for educators and leaders, designs her school’s master schedule to expand academic support for multilingual learners, and chairs the recruitment and intake committee to connect newly enrolled students with critical services.

Alice Tickler — Church Hill Elementary School, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools

Alice Tickler, a National Board Certified first-grade teacher, serves as a literacy leader at the school, county, and state levels through the Maryland Literacy Association, Maryland READS and the MSDE Teacher Advisory Council. She has experience as a reading specialist and has led professional development aligned with the Science of Reading.

Chelsea Taylor — James M. Bennett High School, Wicomico County Public Schools

Chelsea Taylor has taught at James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury for 12 years and serves as a 10th-grade English teacher, literacy coach and instructional leadership team co-chair. A college essay mentor, she is pursuing National Board Certification. Dr. Taylor co-published her research on drama strategies in English Journal for use by teachers nationwide and has presented at local, state and national conferences. She is also an adjunct professor at Salisbury University.