Each Spring, Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) honors teachers and support staff through the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Program. The program recognizes outstanding educators who implement innovative ideas, focus positive attention on education, and demonstrate superior commitment to students and the community. Any member of the community may nominate teachers or support staff for these prestigious awards.
The nomination period runs from early January through mid-February. A committee of TCPS educators and leaders reviews the resumes of the nominees who formally apply, and selects the Teacher of the Year finalists. The finalists prepare packets that highlight their work in their school and community, and these packets are reviewed by the committee. At the same time, a separate committee reviews the Support Staff of the Year nominations and resumes and selects those finalists. All finalists participate in an interview process, and the winners will be announced on March 26.
Six finalists have been selected from the nominations for Teacher of the Year and five were selected for Support Staff of the Year. TCPS is pleased to recognize these outstanding educators.
Teacher of the Year Finalists
Deanna Cherry, Easton High, Math Teacher
Cassidy Maguire, Tilghman Elementary, 3rd Grade Teacher
Anne Miller, Easton Elementary, Pre-K 3 Special Education Teacher
Kirstin Miller, Easton Elementary, Special Education Teacher
Holly Sump, Chapel District Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher
Lindsay Matthews, Easton Middle, 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Support Staff of the Year Finalists
Gina Brent, Easton Elementary, Instructional Assistant
Kimberly Dyott, Talbot County Education Center, Front Desk Receptionist
Chanae Neal, Easton Elementary, Special Education Instructional Assistant
Tami Roskosky, White Marsh Elementary, Instructional Assistant
Rachael Quathamer, Tilghman Elementary, Instructional Assistant
“This is my favorite time of the year,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent of Schools. “Congratulations to these outstanding members of the TCPS team. They represent the best and brightest here at TCPS, and they are truly making a difference for our students and families!”
The 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the year winners will be announced at the annual celebration, Talbot Stars, which will be held on March 26, 2026 at The Elks Lodge in Easton.
