2023 Teacher Of The Year In Prince George’s Works With Autistic Preschoolers

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Kenmoor Early Childhood Center educator Mary Truman has been named the 2023 Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year. Truman, who teaches preschoolers with autism, is a 22-year veteran Prince George's County Public Schools educator.

“Mary Truman epitomizes excellence in early childhood education for her creative approach to teaching learners with special needs,” said Monica Goldson, chief executive officer of PGCPS. “Her role in nurturing, building trust and instilling a love of learning sets the foundation for our youngest students. Her impact cannot be overstated.”

Selected from a pool of more than 140 nominees, Truman will compete statewide for Maryland Teacher of the Year, which is coordinated by the Maryland State Department of Education. She will also receive a pre-paid lease on a new 2023 vehicle from sponsor Pohanka Honda.

“Ms. Truman is a phenomenal teacher who truly loves her students,” said Alma Ezell-Lawson, Kenmoor Early Childhood Center principal. “Most of her students are nonverbal and she communicates so well with them using a wide variety of strategies.”

At Kenmoor, Truman serves as a school team leader and new teacher mentor. She also is a member of the Kennedy Krieger Institute Department of Special Education teacher certification program and has been recognized by the city of Bowie as both Teacher of the Month and Teacher of the Year.

In 2017, she raised $12,000 for Autism Speaks through nonprofit Bike to the Beach. Truman holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland.

International High School at Langley Park teacher Jeimy Amaya was named first runner-up for Teacher of the Year. Finalists include Dr. Terri Dove, Online Campus; Linda Henderson, Montpelier Elementary School; Elizabeth Martinez, Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College; and Ashley Shifflett, Nicholas Orem Middle School.