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Teacher of the Year Program

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Contact Us

Jenn Lombardi
Director, Office of School and Family Partnerships

Meghan O'Brien
Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Communications Office

Joe Callahan
Executive Director, The Education Foundation of AACPS

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TOY honorees

About our Teacher of the Year Program

The Teacher of the Year program annually recognizes exceptional educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to student success. These outstanding teachers inspire, engage, and lead within their school communities, serving as role models and elevating the teaching profession. The program celebrates their dedication and impact on shaping the future.

Learn more about our past winners!

2025 Anne Arundel County Teacher of the Year

Jacqueline Sanderson

Jacqueline Sanderson

Jacqueline Sanderson, an English Language Development teacher at Belle Grove Elementary School, tonight was named the 2025 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. The announcement came before a record crowd of more than 700 people at the culmination of the 39th annual Excellence in Education Awards held at the Live! Event Center at Arundel Mills.

Read more about Jacqueline here

2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Finalists

Five teachers were selected as finalists for the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Award. Congratulations to the following finalists:

  • Khalifah J. Carter, AVID, Meade Middle School

  • Sarah DelSignore, Music, Northeast High School

  • Cecilia Miga, World Language, Annapolis High School

  • Laura Palermo, Kindergarten, Benfield Elementary School

  • Catie Russo, Art, Broadneck High School

Learn about all nominees

Application Process

Interested in our application process? Learn more by visiting our Application Process page.

Learn More About the Application Process

Meet Our Past Winners

Learn more about our excellent educators who have previously been awarded the title of Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year!

Past Winners & Nominees
Photo of Elizabeth Heist, the 2024 Teacher of the Year, speaking at a podium giving her acceptance speech.

Celebrating our Teacher of the Year Honorees

Event Description

We're excited to share that tickets for the Excellence in Education Awards Dinner, an event sponsored by The Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, are available for purchase. At this event, we'll be celebrating our Teacher of the Year honorees and where we'll be formally announcing the 2025 AACPS Teacher of the Year. Please see the details for this event below:

  • LOCATION: The Hall at LIVE! Arundel Mills – Hanover, MD

  • DATE: Friday, April 25, 2025

  • TIME: Guest Arrival Begins at 5:00 PM (e

    vent begins promptly at 6:30 PM)

Ticket Sales

Tickets are currently on sale for Excellence in Education. Purchase yours by using the link below.

Tickets for Excellence in Education