BALTIMORE – The Maryland State Board of Education and Maryland State Department of Education on Sept. 11 announced the names of the seven finalists who will compete to be named the 2023-2024 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

“I congratulate these seven educators on their nominations and commend them on their extraordinary impact on the lives of our children – educating, encouraging, and inspiring Maryland’s future leaders,” said State Board President Clarence Crawford. “Maryland’s educators demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the children of our state every day and are a true inspiration to their colleagues and community. These seven educators embody that dedication.”

“Our state’s educators provide our students with guidance and knowledge that reaches far past the classroom promoting life-long learning,” said Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury. “Our seven finalists exemplify excellence in education here in Maryland and have a profound impact through the support they provide to our communities in and out of the classroom.”

The finalists are Mary Kay Connerton, Anne Arundel County; Brianne Sounder, Cecil County; Nicole Rhoades, Frederick County; Andrea Schulte, Queen Anne’s County; Raymond Weber, Washington County; Tara Martens, Wicomico County; and Dr. Jaimie Ridgely, Worcester County.