On October 7, the Maryland State Board of Education (MSDE) announced Baltimore County middle school teacher Brianna Ross as the 2021-2022 Maryland Teacher of the Year.
Last night was the 31st celebration of the Maryland Teacher of the Year program recognizing exemplary elementary, middle, and high school teachers who are excellent instructors and education leaders in their schools and communities.
Ross, a social studies teacher at Deer Park Middle Magnet School, was honored as the statewide Teacher of the Year. Ross was chosen from a slate of eight finalists.
From an MSDE press release:
“We know that the most important school-based factor in a student’s success is the educator in front of the classroom each day. Teachers profoundly impact the positive trajectory of students’ lives, and we must recognize and support our teachers, who bring their skills, passion, and commitment to classrooms across Maryland,” said State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury. “On behalf of the Maryland State Department of Education, I recognize all of our great teachers across the State, our 24 local Teachers of the Year, our finalists, and our Maryland Teacher of the Year Briana Ross. Ms. Ross inspires and encourages her students to think critically and creatively. She is a teacher committed to bringing success and opportunity to every one of her students.”
…
Finalists were selected by a panel of judges from key Maryland education organizations representing principals, teachers, retired school personnel, school boards, teacher unions, and higher education. Selection criteria were based on a rigorous set of written narratives and interviews that included discussion around student engagement, creativity in instructions, improved school culture, education and instruction reaching beyond the classroom, community collaboration, and student achievement results.
Ross will now go on to compete for the esteemed National Teacher of the Year Award. As Maryland’s Teacher of the Year, she will also spend the coming year as an educational speaker and advisor throughout Maryland and will receive “cash awards, technology prizes and numerous other gifts.”
The program was streamed on Maryland Public Television and YouTube.