ANNOUNCER: This program is made by MPT to enrich the diverse communities throughout our state and is made possible by the generous support of our members.

Thank you.

♪♪ NICKY ZIZAZA: Welcome.

Welcome, everyone, to the 34th Annual Teacher of the Year, presented by the Maryland State Department of Education.

[Cheers] There's a saying that, "a good education can change anyone and a good teacher can change everything!"

Everyone in this room will agree that our 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year serve as examples of the transformational effect that teachers can have on a classroom, a school, a community, and most importantly, a child.

We are here tonight to celebrate the spirit of excellence that 24 educators exemplify each and every day.

Now, these individuals pour into their children who enter their classroom doors as if they were their own.

We can never thank them enough, but we can try during tonight's Teacher of the Year gala, it is my pleasure to introduce you to 24 outstanding Teachers of the Year.

♪♪ KAT LOCKE-JONES: I truly believe the best way to motivate students is to shine their light back to them and give our kids the space to be their authentic selves.

As a teacher, our greatest privilege is any time we can amplify their voices and remind them that they have the power to write their own stories.

Our students can build brave spaces each and every day.

If we just take a second to hand them the pen.

STEPHANIE GERHOLD: I build relationships with our multilingual learners by honoring and affirming their diverse cultural identities, linguistic backgrounds and lived experiences.

Together we build an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered to take risks not only in their language learning, but in sharing their authentic selves.

BRITTANY RIGDON: To plant a seed is to believe in the future.

I'm a horticulturalist, and I know that it takes more than a belief system to turn a seed into a garden.

It takes cultivating and nurturing that seed in the right environment.

With that belief system transferred to the classroom environment, I use my passion, care and skilled teaching application to ensure that I do the best for all of my students.

JESSICA NICHOLS: The way I incorporate social and emotional wellness in my classroom is through having a weekly downtime known as wellness Wednesday.

Wellness Wednesday is a time for us to explore connections either to each other, peer to peer, or to the curriculum, or by asking questions of the teacher.

DR. KAITLYN WRIGHT: Learning doesn't happen because you put content in front of a student.

Learning is ongoing.

It's dynamic, it's personal, yet shared.

But students will only be willing to share the experience with you when they perceive authenticity.

I don't try to be anything but myself, and I refuse to plan lessons unless they hold genuine value for every student that they are offered to.

JEREMY HILLYARD: I love fostering expression in my classroom through integrating elements of both improv comedy and American Sign Language while storytelling.

This invests my students in the learning, while also helping them realize the power of the yes/and philosophy in the creative process.

GABRIELLE REMINGTON: A unique aspect of my approach as a reading intervention teacher is that I was once a reading intervention student, which gives me an understanding of the challenges they face.

I co-construct the classroom with students, making them active participants in their learning journey.

This allows me to tear down barriers and foster a genuine love for reading in each student.

DR. CAREY WRIGHT: On behalf of the Maryland State Department of Education.

It is my honor to welcome you to the 34th Annual Teacher of the Year Gala.

Tonight, we celebrate the extraordinary educators who shaped the future of our state and our nation.

To our 24 local Teachers of the Year, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

You embody the very best of our profession.

And your presence here tonight speaks volumes about your dedication, expertise, and the profound difference you make in the lives of your students.

As a former teacher, I understand the level of commitment and hard work that it takes to do what you do each and every day.

And I deeply respect and admire your faithfulness to your calling, because I have always believed that teaching is, without a doubt a calling.

There is no profession as noble and as rewarding as teachers.

After parents and guardians, you have the most significant influence on the lives of the children in your classrooms.

You are the true change agents in education, the people who make the magic happen in the classroom.

The positive impact you make on your students academically, socially and emotionally is immeasurable.

You are the champions of every student who walks through your door.

Your high expectations, your belief in their potential, and your daily acts of encouragement matter greatly.

You may never know the full impact that you have, but I assure you your influence extends far beyond the walls of your classroom to the superintendents and principals and central office staff here tonight.

Thank you.

Your leadership makes it possible for what teachers do in their classroom and do their best work.

And to the families of our honorees, thank you for the sacrifices that you make that allow these extraordinary educators to pour their hearts into their work.

I would like to extend a thank you to our corporate sponsors and partners.

Your support of this event and of public education in Maryland is crucial.

You understand that supporting great teachers is an investment in the future of our state.

To our university partners who are here tonight, thank you for the work that you do to prepare the next generation of educators.

Your work ensures that our classrooms will continue to be led by skilled, passionate teachers for years to come.

There is a reason people say teachers make every other profession possible.

It is absolutely true.

The work you do each day allows students to pursue their dreams, whether it's in college, in their careers, and in their lives.

As the Teacher's of the Year for each of Maryland's twenty-four school districts.

You exemplify the spirit of excellence we admire in educators.

You have earned the respect of your peers, your students and colleagues throughout your school districts, and that is no small accomplishment.

And you should be proud.

Congratulation on your extraordinary professional achievement.

Please enjoy this evening of celebration.

You have certainly earned it.

Thank you.

[Applause] DR. JOSHUA MICHAEL: On behalf of the Maryland State Board of Education, I am proud to extend congratulations to our outstanding educators.

We appreciate the amazing work that you do for children and school communities across our state.

I also want to take a moment to thank the leadership of three critical groups.

First, the Maryland State Educators Association.

Next, I want to acknowledge the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland.

And last, I want to acknowledge our past, Maryland Teachers of the Year for joining us this evening.

[Clapping] Now, it is my privilege to introduce an amazing educator and advocate for healthy minds and bodies.

Mary Kay Connerten our 2023-2024, Maryland Teacher of the Year.

MARY KAY CONNERTON: What a difference a year makes and what an incredible year it has been.

Again, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Regina Simpson's office for their unwavering support of the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.

The Maryland State Department of Education and our generous sponsors for making this night truly memorable.

Most importantly, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all 24 Teacher of the Year winners across our beautiful state of Maryland.

So let's give them another round of applause.

[Applause] Many of you have heard me use the metaphor of hands supporting the journey in my past speeches.

And for those of you who haven't, I truly believe that no one reaches this point solely through the work of their own two hands, but rather through the collective support of many hands along the way.

Throughout my journey as a 2024 Maryland State Teacher of the Year.

I have been blessed to have had so many hands lift me up, helping me belong, grow and succeed.

Tonight, we honor 24 exceptional teachers who have dedicated themselves to lighting the spark of learning in classrooms across Maryland.

These educators have gone above and beyond touching lives in ways that resonate far beyond the walls of a school.

Tonight is about the seven finalists who have faced a rigorous selection process to make it to the stage.

It's about the dedication, passion and resilience that they embody.

And it's about the many hands, colleagues, students, families and communities that have lifted these teachers up and brought them to this moment.

Congratulations to the honorees and I hope this year provides opportunity for celebration, joy and transformation as a result of your achievements.

Take care and be well.

Thank you very much.

[Applause] ZIZAZA: As we honor these amazing educators, the OrchKid Kids Brass Band directed by Baltimore City 2024 Teacher of the Year, Jared Perry.

[Cheering] [Drum kicks] They will be performing "Fire", an original song they arranged and composed.

JARED PERRY: One, two.

One two three four.

♪[Upbeat brass music]♪ ♪ We got that fire, we got that fire ♪ ♪ We got that fire, we got that fire ♪ ♪ We got that fire, we got that fire ♪ ♪ We got that fire, we got that fire ♪ [Audience sings] ♪ We got that fire, we got that fire ♪ ♪ We got that fire, we got that fire ♪ ♪ We got that fire, we got that fire ♪ ♪ We got that fire, we got that fire ♪ ♪[Upbeat brass music continues]♪ ♪[Music switches to a slower tempo]♪ ♪ Fire... ♪ Hey!

Hey!

Hey!

♪ We got that fire ♪ Hey!

Hey!

Hey!

♪ We got that fire ♪ [Audience yells] ♪ We got that fire ♪ Hey!

Hey!

Hey!

♪[Music swells]♪ [Applause] PERRY: Up up up up up.

And bow.

And, one more.

One more.

[Applause] ZIZAZA: The Maryland Teacher of the Year program relies on the community's generosity to honor and uplift teachers statewide.

Both of our presenting sponsors have been part of the Maryland Teacher of the Year program for over 30 years.

Please welcome to the stage Michael Clark, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Sector Vice President and Associate General Counsel, and Jennifer Mann, McDonald's Family Restaurants of Baltimore Owner and Operator.

MICHAEL CLARK: Nothing says fun like getting a corporate lawyer to come uh, come talk to you.

So, good evening to all.

It is truly an honor to be here with all of you as we recognize and celebrate the hard work, dedication and impact these remarkable educators who continuously raise- raise the bar for Maryland schools.

As teachers who change lives positively shaping and influencing your students in countless ways, you bring out the best in your students and instill the lessons that leave a long lasting impact.

My company, Northrop Grumman, recognizes the important role that teachers play in developing critical skills and and laying the foundation for future success.

Many of our 100,000 plus employees benefited from the teachers who encouraged and supported them in their interest.

In particular, as our country faces a shortage, the number of students who are interested in STEM.

Northrop Grumman works to excite, engage and educate students in these critical fields.

As such, many of our efforts to expand the pipeline of underserved STEM students through a- through employee mentoring, internships and programs that connect our employees to students and teachers.

Northrop also provides informal programs that give students opportunities to explore STEM by engaging in hands on activities and experiences through classroom visits, career talks, science fairs, site tours and celebratory STEM events like Manufacturing Day and Engineers Week.

That's just a glimpse of the things that Northrop Grumman does in its commitment to education.

We're proud to empower the next generation of innovators.

[Applause] JENNIFER MANN: Over the past 60 years.

McDonald's has proudly employed many of the students who have been part of your classroom families.

The speeches tonight and over the years by the immensely proud sponsors and elected officials usually fall into two very meaningful and inspirational categories.

Category one is about the ancient origins of teaching, the nobility of the profession, and how it takes, how it makes all other professions possible.

Category two is how each of you remind the speaker of their favorite teacher who changed their life, held them accountable by believing in them.

I would like to introduce the third category, and that is straight up gratitude for you.

Thank you for smiling along when someone makes a comment about how you had your summer "off".

[Laughter] While we all know you spend it cleaning and organizing your classroom and probably standing on a bookcase, but I won't tell.

Thank you for preparing lessons and rummaging through your bins to use every last scrap of your existing supplies and then moving- going out to acquire more and probably spending your own money.

Thank you for helping the newest teachers on the team know the ins and outs of your school and for supporting the teachers who have had your backs for years.

Thank you for drying your students tears and for finding a new gear to motivate and help them to do the work and get the most out of their day with you.

This stays on repeat through the end of the year and restarts with a new group in your classroom every fall.

Along with my colleague who is here tonight, Ashley Welburn, the 32 Maryland based McDonald's owner operators we speak for are immensely proud of and grateful for all that you do.

Thank you.

[Applause] ZIZAZA: Northrop Grumman and other partners are instrumental in ensuring the success of the year of Service for our Teacher of the Year.

During their service year, our 24 teachers participate in a variety of activities designed to foster teambuilding and professional learning, champion public education as well as have fun.

Highlights include a retreat at the Smith Island Environmental Education Center, White House Holiday Tour, STEM Immersion Day, Teacher of the Year Day in Annapolis.

The Teachers of Promise Institute for College Seniors and Mentor teachers.

Walking on the field at Camden Yards with the Orioles and so much more.

DR. WRIGHT: And now it is my great pleasure to introduce our seven finalists, Kat Locke-Jones from Baltimore City.

[Cheering] Stephanie Gerhold from Baltimore County.

[Cheering] Brittany Rigdon from Cecil County.

[Cheering] Jessica Nichols from Howard County.

[Cheering] Kaitlyn Wright from Kent County.

[Cheering] Jeremy Hillyard from Talbot County.

[Cheering] And Gabrielle Remington from Worcester County.

[Cheering] The 24-25 Maryland Teacher of the Year is... Kat Locke-Jones from Baltimore City.

[Cheering and applause] KAT LOCKE-JONES: Wow!

Unbelievable.

[Chuckles] Thank you so much um, to the Maryland State Department of Education, to the Teacher of the Year team.

Thank you to Baltimore City Sch- Public Schools, my first and only school district, my forever home.

And thank you to everyone in this room, but especially my fellow teachers of the year.

They don't just represent a district.

They don't just represent their classrooms or their students.

They represent themselves, and they are remarkable.

And I mean that in the literal sense to be remarked upon.

And I'm so honored to be a part of this phenomenal community.

I get to stand here today because of the teachers in my life, the first teachers, my family, my dad, Norma, and especially my siblings, Kevin, Sean, Victor, Aiden and Patty.

Yes, I'm Irish-Catholic.

[Laughter] My first teachers were my brothers and sister where we would sit across a sticky dining room table staining our homework with Oreo crumbs and fighting over broken crayons.

Thank you for teaching me that if I was ever going to share space with students, if I was ever going to share a space with kids and needed to make sure that they knew that love was a verb and a choice and an action, something we choose every single day.

Thank you for teaching me about unconditional love.

The second group are the professionals.

The amazing teachers I had at Mount Aviat at Padua at UD who poured into me.

And while I would like to name names, for better or for worse, I would like to apologize and thank the multiple teachers who kept me after school to tell me that sometimes the students who talk the most in class should probably stand in front of a classroom one day.

I'm here because you are all lighthouses.

You poured into me and softly but strongly, you taught me the most important lesson.

To be who you are and to be that well.

The third group is the teachers I work with at Hampstead Hill Academy.

[Cheering] You are the best teachers and best humans I know.

There's a line from the TV show The Office that says.

"I wish there was a way to know that you are in the good old days before you've actually left them."

I know I'm in the good old days because I get to work with all of you.

For as many times as we've had passionate and extremely transformational conversations around which condiment is the most impactful on a sandwich.

We've had hours of analyzing data and advocating for students.

I really believe we teach the hardest working kids in Baltimore City, the coolest kids in Maryland.

And the reason why is it's because a reflection of all of you, every single person, staff, family, kids that walk through the doors of Hampstead Hill.

It's a representation of them.

So thank you for teaching me a life and giving me a life of always teaching, always learning.

And last I'm here because of the single most important and influential teacher in my life.

The health and physical educator at the Reach Partnership School, Coach Jones.

[Cheers] Nick, thank you so much for inviting me to the first staff Happy hour at Ryan's Daughter all those years ago, for hanging posters in my classroom when you have your own to decorate.

We've gone from planning field trips together to figuring out how we're going to fit four car seats in one vehicle.

You are the best teacher to our three little boys and soon to be daughter.

Mac, Shay, Tommy, Claire learn everything you can from your dad for as long as you can.

You're the most highly effective person I know.

Jones, I like you.

I love you.

I'm still trying to catch my breath [laughs].

And it's not just because I'm eight months pregnant, but it is an incredibly rare opportunity that you get to sit here and stand here, I guess, and utter a small thank you to the teachers in your life.

So I ask tonight whether it's sending a text message or a Facebook message or writing an email.

You thank a teacher who changed your life because I will spend the rest of mine thanking the teachers who changed mine.

Thank you.

[Applause and cheering] ZIZAZA: Congratulations.

This marks the start of an amazing year filled with new opportunities, professional growth, as well as development.

Thank you so much for being here tonight to honor all 24 Teachers of the Year in Maryland.