Easton, MD) Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) honors teachers and support staff through the annual 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 comprised of former Talbot Teachers of the Year and TCPS Administrators reviews the resumes of the nominees who choose to formally apply, and selects the Teacher of the Year Finalists. Finalists prepare packets that highlight their work in their school and community. These packets are reviewed by the committee, and the Talbot Teacher of the Year is announced in April.
At the same time, a separate committee reviews the Support Staff of the Year nominations and resumes and selects the finalists. This winner is also announced in April. Four finalists have been selected from the nominations for Teacher of the Year and four were selected for Support Staff of the Year. TCPS is pleased to recognize these outstanding educators.
Teacher of the Year Finalists:
Rebecca Phillips – Kindergarten Teacher, Chapel District Elementary
Kathy Regan – Third Grade Teacher, St. Michaels Elementary
Lauren Rose – Music Teacher and Band Director, Easton High
Holly Sump – Kindergarten Teacher, Chapel District Elementary
Support Staff of the Year Finalists:
Stacie Rice – Special Education Secretary, Easton Middle
Jane Tillman – Math and Reading Interventionist and Volunteer Coordinator, Chapel District Elementary
Christina Titz – Instructional Assistant, Easton Middle
Giovanni Wynn – Family Service Coordinator, Judy Center Early Learning Hub – St. Michaels
“Congratulations to these outstanding members of the TCPS team,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent of Schools. “Their work with and on behalf of our students defines what it means to Transform and Perform, and they are truly making a difference in our district!”
The 2025-2026 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 Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at The Elks Lodge in Easton.
