Harford Co. Educator A Finalist For Maryland Teacher Of The Year

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Seven local school system finalists vying for the title of 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year have been announced, which includes an educator from Harford County.

The Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland State Board of Education disclosed the seven finalists out of 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.”

The finalists were chosen from among 24 school system Teachers of the Year across Maryland. The selection panel included leaders from key Maryland educational organizations representing principals, teachers, school boards, labor partners and families. Finalists were evaluated using "rigorous criteria that included student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement and knowledge of current educational issues," the school district said.

The finalist from Harford County Public Schools, Michael James, was named the 2026 Teacher of the Year. A National Board Certified Teacher, James 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.

James earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Washington and Jefferson College in 1993 and a master of arts in reading from Towson University in 2004.

“Mr. James is an example of instructional excellence and why relationships are so important inthe classroom," said Harford County Public Schools Superintendent of Schools Dyann R. Mack. "His dedication to ensuring students are engaged and encouraged is why students leave high school prepared and ready for their next steps."