Kimberly McGlinchey, a special education teacher at Wicomico High School who dedicates herself both inside and outside the classroom to helping students become college and career ready, was honored as the 2015-2016 Wicomico Teacher of the Year March 19, 2015 at the annual Wicomico Teacher of the Year Banquet at the Commons at Salisbury University.

“My strength is being a team player to the 81 teachers and supporting staff at WiHi,” said the 13-year Wicomico High teacher and 1994 graduate of James M. Bennett High School. “As a department chair, I try to help others with their concerns and just be there to listen. As a co-teacher, I support all struggling students as well as my partner teacher. As a colleague, I try to help with any free time that I have to offer. Whether it is taping sporting events for college recruiting, chaperoning prom, facilitating meetings, tutoring, collecting ties or shirts for graduating seniors, mentoring, helping at graduation, bell ringing, donating to a casual day, or just being in the hallways when the kids are extra excited, it all makes a difference … I believe in this county. I was Wicomico made, and now I am Wi-Hi strong.”

McGlinchey is not only WiHi proud, she is part of a devoted WiHi family: Her husband, Pat McGlinchey, is a U.S. History and journalism teacher and head football coach at the school.

The new Teacher of the Year will begin her year in style, arriving at Wicomico High School’s auditorium/gym entrance at 8 a.m. Friday chauffeured in a classic 1949 Buick provided for the occasion by Wicomico music teacher and auto enthusiast Buck Burton. She will be featured, along with this year's three finalists and 23 semifinalists, in a "Working Together for Children" Teacher of the Year special airing soon on PAC 14.

Kimberly McGlinchey, 39, received a B.S. of Science from York College of Pennsylvania in 1998, and a Masters in Special Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2002. She has taught at Wicomico High for 13 years, serving on various Instructional Leadership Team committees, as current special education department chair, as a videographer for athletes needing game footage for college recruiters, as a coach for outdoor track, and as a mentor, co-organizer of the school’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid for college) night, and supporter of the National Honor Society’s holiday help at the Salvation Army.

Wicomico High’s percentage of students qualifying for Free and Reduced Meals based on family income is 62%, far higher than at any other high school in the county. This can lead to students who put up walls rather than ask for help, parents who may not have had a good experience with school themselves, and students and families who do not always have the resources to support education both inside and outside of the school day, she said. McGlinchey strives to address these issues as part of the Wi-Hi team. The first FAFSA night drew six students, and this year it brought in 25 students (plus another 9 after), seven teachers, and a Wor-Wic Community College representative. The after-school program started at Wicomico High has been a great opportunity for students, and McGlinchey works with students in this setting on Bridge projects and SAT prep. All of these activities, along with the support McGlinchey provides in the classroom as a special education teacher, help students work toward college and career readiness.

As Wicomico Teacher of the Year, McGlinchey represents the outstanding staff of Wicomico High School and the more than 1,250 teachers of Wicomico County Public Schools. Later this year, she will represent Wicomico County Public Schools in the Maryland Teacher of the Year contest. Wicomico is proud to have three former Maryland Teachers of the Year, Bonnie Walston, Aaron Deal and April Todd, working in the school system on behalf of students.

Top Teachers

The annual Teacher of the Year Banquet spotlights not just the year's most outstanding teacher, but all Wicomico educators who demonstrate outstanding leadership, a commitment to excellence, dedication to teaching the children of the community, and professional achievement. This year 133 teachers were nominated. After rating reviews were completed by administrators and supervisors, the 27 semifinalists were selected. The task of narrowing the field of semifinalists for the title of Wicomico County Teacher of the Year was a very difficult one, given the number of outstanding candidates and the winter weather, said Lisa Forbush, co-chair of Wicomico’s Teacher of the Year recognition program with Stephen Lovellette and Laura Bounds.

Each semifinalist interviewed with a blue-ribbon judging panel of former Wicomico teachers of the year. Based on results from the initial rating review, the interview, a public speaking challenge called a “fishbowl,” and a writing exercise, a finalist was chosen to represent each of the four school levels. Finalists, in addition to McGlinchey for the high school level, are:

• Primary: Cindy Becker, Prekindergarten, Wicomico Early Learning Center
• Intermediate: Stacy Wheeler, 3rd Grade, Fruitland Intermediate
• Middle: Laura Becker, 8th Grade Mathematics, Salisbury Middle

The other semifinalists for 2015-2016 Wicomico Teacher of the Year are:

• Beaver Run Elementary: Mary Jo Harris, 2nd Grade
• Bennett Middle: Hunter Patton, 8th Grade Mathematics
• Charles H. Chipman Elementary: Michelle Schlegel, Kindergarten
• Choices Academy: Kairlyn Smith, Middle School Science
• Delmar Elementary: Alison Cuffy, 1st Grade
• East Salisbury Elementary: Rebekah Davis-Slade, Media Specialist
• Fruitland Primary: Dana Lynerd, 1st Grade
• Glen Avenue Elementary: Kacie Robinson, 4th Grade
• James M. Bennett High: Chris Emge, Business/Technology Education
• Mardela Middle and High: Amber Dorman, 7th Grade English Language Arts
• North Salisbury Elementary: Mildred Johnson, 5th Grade
• Northwestern Elementary: Charles Echard, 4th Grade
• Parkside High: Stephanie McCoy, Art
• Pemberton Elementary: Jenny Zawacki, 3rd Grade
• Pinehurst Elementary: Katherine Byrne, 1st Grade
• Pittsville Elementary and Middle: Sarah Burton, String Orchestra
• Prince Street Elementary: Megan Gray, 1st Grade
• West Salisbury Elementary: Meeka McCoy, 2nd Grade
• Westside Intermediate: Theresa DeLizza, 3rd Grade
• Westside Primary: Mary Sterrett, Prekindergarten
• Wicomico Middle: Kristen Jackson, Health Education
• Wicomico Middle: Kathy Klaverweiden, 6th Grade History
• Willards Elementary: Janet Dutton, Prekindergarten

Friend of Education Award

Each year at the Wicomico County Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet, the school system also honors a "Friend of Education" who has generously supported Wicomico schoolchildren and schools. This year’s recipient is Wor-Wic Community College, which has provided 40 years of stellar educational and post-secondary vocational and technical education programs for residents of Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties. Wor-Wic President Dr. Ray Hoy and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Stephen Capelli received the award.

The Lower Shore has realized enhanced local economic growth because of the education, training and workforce development opportunities provided by Wor-Wic. Through innovative program development, it has met educational and professional goals for students, businesses and the community. Wor-Wic has been a key partner with the Wicomico County Public School System for education in Wicomico County.

Among the many areas where Wor-Wic has been a leader are dual enrollment, teaching credentialing courses, childcare programs, allied health programs, hospitality and culinary arts courses, computer and technology certification programs, adult education, driver’s education, and industry, trades and manufacturing certification programs. These programs have yielded capable, certified employees for our school system and community. In response to the school system’s need for related service providers, Wor-Wic began a certified occupational therapy assistant program and is preparing for the first cohort in the essential physical therapy assistant program.

Wicomico Schools is especially proud to celebrate Wor-Wic for the inaugural Life Centered Employment and Education Program which began on campus this year for students ages 18-21 with disabilities. Wor-Wic and school system staff are assisting them with transition from school to work as they focus on career readiness and independent living. They are acquiring vocational, social and self-advocacy skills utilized in daily living and in the workplace and being educated with their age peers. The students have been enrolled in ServeSafe Food Safety and Sanitation Certification courses and all passed, preparing them for a bright future and success in the workplace.

Sponsors of the Wicomico Teacher of the Year Program

The Wicomico County Teacher of the Year Banquet is sponsored or supported by a number of generous businesses, organizations and individuals.

Gold Level: CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dr. Carolyn Elmore, Salisbury University

Silver Level: Association of Public School Administrators & Supervisors, Atlantic Pumping Inc., Giant Food Inc., Salisbury University Alumni Association

Bronze Level: Davis, Bowen, & Friedel, Etch-Art Awards, Mr. Charles Goslee, Peninsula Water Conditioning, W. R. McCain & Associates, Wicomico County Education Association

In-kind Donors: Atlantic Pewter & Trophies, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Buck Burton, Cheers, Chick-fil-A, Thirty-One, Designers Edge, Clear Channel Outdoor, Eastside Delicatessen, Kevin Parsons: BMG, Educational Supplies, Inc., Everwell Massage, Goin Nuts Café, G. B. Heron & Co., Instructional Resource Center, Irish Penny, Jersey Mike’s, Joseph Lauren Hair Salon, Kitty’s Flowers, Kuhn’s Jewelers, La Tolteca Mexican Restaurant, Macy’s, Parkside CTE Culinary Students, Parkside CTE Horticulture Students, Red Door Sub Shop, Roadie Joe’s, Sage Diner, Snowie the Snow Bus, Texas Roadhouse, Twisted Pretzel, Vernon Powell, Viva Espresso, Sonya’s Floral Boutique, Brian Howard: Parties, Etc.