Katelyn Robinson, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Maple Elementary School, has been named the Dorchester County Public Schools Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025.

A graduate of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, Ms. Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a minor in creative arts at Salisbury University and is currently working on her master’s degree in Differentiated Instruction through LaSalle University.

“It is such an amazing feeling to be able to represent the community I call home as Dorchester County’s Teacher of the Year,” said Ms. Robinson. “Though the banner says my name, it is truly a representation of the hard work and love of every amazing teacher we have at Maple Elementary. I am so proud to be able to bring this honor back to the ‘Lion’s Den!’”

Ms. Robinson will now represent Dorchester County as part of the Maryland State Department of Education’s Maryland Teacher of the Year program.

The First Class Teacher of the Year award is a Dorchester County recognition of a first-year teacher of exceptional promise. For the first time, there will be two First Class Teachers of the Year as there was a tie in the judges’ scoring. The honors will be shared by Jordan Lewis, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Choptank Elementary School, and Haley Wright, a fourth-grade teacher at Maple Elementary School.

Ms. Lewis grew up in Dorchester County and graduated from North Dorchester High School. She went on to earn an associate of arts degree in teaching from Chesapeake College and a bachelor of science in early childhood education from Salisbury University.

“It is truly an honor being named as First Class Teacher of the Year for Dorchester County Public Schools; it is a privilege to go to work each day doing what I love to do in the community where I was born and raised,” Ms. Lewis said. “Thank you to my amazing Choptank family for their nomination and support. I am humbled by this experience, especially being among so many deserving first year teachers.”

Ms. Wright is also a native of Dorchester County, graduating from Cambridge-South Dorchester High School. She has a B.S. in elementary education from Salisbury University. “I am humbled and elated to be recognized as First Class Teacher of the Year for Dorchester County,” said Ms. Wright. “I am thankful for my Maple family where I have been fortunate enough to receive endless support by amazing administration, teammates and colleagues. Thank you DCPS for allowing me to represent my school, students and our county.”

In a press release announcing the awards, Dorchester County Public Schools expressed gratitude for the strong support given by local businesses and organizations for its Teacher of the Year programs, including the free use of a car for the year from Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships.