Kennedy High Educator Is Finalist for State Teacher of the Year

The Montgomery County Public Schools announced Tuesday that Michael Williams, a teacher at John F. Kennedy High School, has been named a finalist for the 2016–2017 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

The Maryland State Department of Education named Williams and six other educators as finalists for the honor, the MCPS said in a statement.

Williams is the resource teacher for the social studies department at the Silver Spring school. He teaches Advanced Placement (AP) World History, U.S. History and African American History.

"Colleagues and parents say his teaching ability is invigorating and epitomizes excellence," the MCPS said in the statement. "He demonstrates a commitment to equity in education and has developed programs to promote student achievement and leadership."

Williams is a co-founder of the Montgomery County Minority Scholars Program, "a student-driven initiative aimed at reducing the achievement gap by expanding the number of African American and Latino students in honors and AP courses," the school system said. The program has expanded to 15 high schools and three middle schools.

In May, Williams was named the county's 2016–2017 Teacher of the Year during the annual Champions for Children celebration.

Watch an interview with Michael Williams about the Minority Scholars Program.

He is competing against teachers in six other Maryland districts. The other finalists are Katrina Griffin, Anne Arundel County; Athanasia Kyriakakos, Baltimore City; Donna Miller, Calvert County; Anne Highfield, Cecil County; Tamara Forte, Queen Anne’s County; and Christy Briggs, Wicomico County.

The winner will be named on Oct. 7 during a reception and dinner in Baltimore. The winner will receive cash awards, technology equipment, national travel opportunities, and a new car valued at more than $25,000, donated by the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association.

Release: Montgomery County Public Schools

Image: Michael Williams (MCPS)