The Maryland State Department of Education has named seven outstanding teachers as finalists for 2022-23 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to our very own Ashley Gereli for being named one of the seven finalists in the running for the State title!

“Maryland’s teachers are exceptionally talented and highly-skilled professionals who drive excellence in our students and communities each and every day. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, address learning loss and accelerate academic achievement, we recognize and respect the critical role of our educators and their far-reaching impact,” said State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury. “Each of our local Teachers of the Year sets an unparalleled benchmark for public service, scholarship, and commitment. As we lead the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and transform education, this extraordinary cohort of teachers will help lead us forward.”

From a group of 24 local systems’ teachers of the year, the finalists were selected by a panel of judges representing key Maryland education organizations, and include principals, teachers, school boards, teacher unions, and representatives from higher education. All finalists were assessed on a rigorous set of state and national criteria including instructional abilities; collaboration with colleagues, students, and families; community connections, leadership and innovation in and out of the classroom; and ability to articulate education issues and beliefs.

“I extend warm congratulations to all the teachers of the year and especially to the seven finalists! Your commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children is an inspiration to your colleagues across the state. As we work to implement The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, we look to education professionals across the state to lead the charge and guide our efforts to transform education,” said Rachel McCusker, Maryland State Board of Education Teacher Member. “The Maryland Teacher of the Year program brings together some of the strongest educators in the state to share their creative ideas and passion for educational excellence. We look forward to engagement opportunities with these outstanding educators and wish them well during this exciting year!”

The 2022-2023 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced on Maryland Public Television (MPT) on October 6, 2022, in a 30-minute Maryland Teacher of the Year Television Special airing at 8:00 p.m. on MPT2. The program will highlight all 24 local education agencies’ Teachers of the Year and culminate in the naming of the 2022-23 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

The selected Maryland Teacher of the Year will go on to compete for the esteemed National Teacher of the year Award. Maryland’s Teacher of the Year will represent the teaching profession and spend the coming year as an educational speaker, ambassador and advisor.

Congratulations, Ms. Gereli!! Best of luck in the state competition!