2026-2027 MCPS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher of the Year and Rising Star Awards honor a full-time Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who has a demonstrated record of high academic expectations for all students, engaging students of all backgrounds and abilities, contributing to a positive school culture, and connecting with the school community. The MCPS Teacher of the Year goes on to represent MCPS as the nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year Award.
Key Dates and Information for the Teacher of the Year and Rising Star Awards:
- Each MCPS school will select their own Teacher of the Year (this is required). Each school has a selection committee composed of the school Principal, MCEA Head Building Representative, and Elected Faculty Representative OR designee(s). Schools should share their selection committee members by completing this form.
- Deadline: Names of all school Teachers of the Year recipients must be received by 11/20 using this form.
- Schools will announce their Teacher of the Year recipient between 12/7 – 12/10.
- Teacher of the Year recipients will be given access to the MCPS Teacher of the Year or Rising Star applicaton form on 12/11
Note: School Teacher of the Year recipients are not obligated to complete the nomination form for the MCPS award, but we encourage all Teachers of the Year to apply - Deadline: Applications for the MCPS Teacher of the Year award must be submitted by 1/8
- Winners – Recipients for the Elementary, Middle and High School Teachers of the Year will be announced in March. The MCPS Teacher of the Year will be announced at the Celebration Gala on 3/17
Teacher of the Year Award Eligibility:
- At least 5 full school years of teaching experience, with at least three full school years with MCPS
- Is a current, full-time Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 teacher in MCPS (must spend at least 75% of their time in the classroom)
- Must maintain a position with MCPS throughout the 2027-2028 school year
- Is not a previous MCPS Teacher of the Year recipient and/or has not won their school’s Teacher of the Year award in the past three years
- In not in the PAR process and is cleared by MCPS HR of any disciplinary actions
- Cannot be on the award selection committee for their school
Resources for Teacher of the Year selection committees:
- Teacher of the Year FAQs
- Thursdays from 4:00PM – 4:30PM – Teams link to join office hours
- Form to report school selection committee members
- Form to submit school Teacher of the Year and Rising Star winner(s)
- For information on the Rising Star Award, visit this page or reach out to Kevin Brunk at [email protected].
Resources for MCPS Teacher of the Year nominees:
- 2026-2027 – Teacher of the Year application (link coming soon)
- Teacher of the Year evaluation rubric
- Teacher of the Year application checklist
2025-2026 MCPS Teacher of the Year Winner
Michelle Elie, an English teacher at Montgomery Blair High School, received the 2026 MCPS Teacher of the Year Award.