Teacher of the Year
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Teacher of the Year (TOY) Award seeks to recognize excellence in teaching, encourage creative and quality instruction, and contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education. HCPSS is very proud of its accomplished teachers and seeks to recognize the outstanding educators that make a difference in the lives of our students, staff and families. The Teacher of the Year program is implemented by the Department of Communications in partnership with the Bright Minds Foundation.
Jump to: Key Dates | Eligibility | Process | Recipients |
Key Dates
The following are important dates for the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year.
- November 6, 2026 – Principal’s TOY Nomination Due
- November 20, 2026 – TOY Nominees’ Applications Due
- December 16, 2026 – TOY Semifinalists Notified
- January 27, 2027 – TOY Semifinalists’ Applications Due
- February 2027 – TOY Finalists Notified
- March 19, 2027 – TOY Finalists’ Packets Due
- March 2027 – TOY Finalists’ Interviews
- April 21, 2027 – Teacher of the Year Announced
Eligibility
The HCPSS Teacher of the Year must meet the following criteria:
- Have completed five years of teaching in HCPSS
- Spend a minimum of 50% of the workday directly teaching students
- Must hold an active teaching status, meaning they have a valid and current teaching license and are working under a teaching contract
Process
The HCPSS application process follows the structure of the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program and includes several steps including: Principal’s Nomination | Nominee’s Applications | Semifinalists’ Applications | Finalists’ Interviews | TOY Selection |
① Principal’s Nomination
Each principal is eligible to submit one TOY nominee. Staff, parents and other community members who would like to nominate a teacher should contact the school’s principal to share their recommendation.
Principals should notify their teacher nominee prior to completing a nomination form to ensure teachers are eligible, interested, and able to complete the Nominee Application by required deadlines.
2026-2027 School Year: Principals will need to draft a letter of recommendation and complete the online nomination form by Nov. 6, 2026.
② Nominee’s Applications
TOY nominees must complete the nominee application once they’ve been notified that they have been nominated by their principal. The application includes submitting contact information, an essay, and a professional resume.
2026-2027 School Year: The nominee application must be submitted by Nov. 20, 2026.
③ Semifinalists’ Applications
Teachers selected as a semifinalist will be notified by email and will be required to complete a full application to be considered a finalist. That application will be shared with semifinalists at the time of notification.
2026-2027 School Year: Notification emails will come from Communications staff by Dec. 16, and the full application is due by Jan. 27, 2027.
④ Finalists’ Interviews
Teachers selected as a finalist will be notified by email from Communications staff, followed by participation in an interview panel with the selection committee. Finalists will receive more information about the panel interview at the time.
2026-2027 School Year: Interviews with the selection committee will be conducted in March 2027.
⑤ Teacher of the Year Selected
The HCPSS Teacher of the Year will be formally announced at the Bright Minds Foundation Inaugural Champions of Education Awards Dinner & Ceremony.
2026-2027 School Year: The gala event will be held Wednesday, April 21, 2027.
Teacher of the Year Recipients
In April 2026, HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes announced Samantha Mathis and Kacy Valentine as recipients of the HCPSS Teachers of the Year Award. Learn more about Ms. Mathis and Ms. Valentine!
Samantha Mathis, West Friendship Elementary School
“Ms. Mathis takes the time to get to know all her students to ensure they feel important—within the classroom, and their own lives. She actively demonstrates her care for them every day.”
Kacy Valentine, Lake Elkhorn Middle School
“Ms. Valentine consistently recognizes the unique strengths, needs, and identities of her students, and she invests deeply in helping each of them see their own potential … she fosters an environment where every student feels valued, capable, and empowered to grow.”
