District News

TCPS 2022 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Finalists

Each year, Talbot County Public Schools honors teachers and support staff through the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Program. This provides the opportunity to recognize 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 the first week of February. A committee comprised of former Talbot Teachers of the Year reviews the resumes of all of the nominees who choose to formally apply and select the Teacher of the Year Finalists, which are announced in mid-February. 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 early 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 early April.

Four finalists have been selected from the nominations for Teacher of the Year and three were selected for Support Staff of the Year. TCPS is pleased to recognize these outstanding educators.

Teacher of the Year Finalists:

Lutisia (Tish) Blessing – Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, White Marsh Elementary
Kelley Cummings – First Grade Teacher, St. Michaels Elementary
Jeremy Hillyard – Spanish Teacher, Easton High
Katherine (Katie) Spies – Kindergarten Teacher, Easton Elementary


Support Staff of the Year Finalists:

Beverly Brooks – Instructional Assistant for Special Education, Easton High
Dena Decelle – Library Media Assistant, Tilghman Elementary
Berenice Orellana – Multilingual Family Liaison, Easton High

“These outstanding educators reflect the highest level of dedication to Talbot County children” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent. “They have all navigated the most challenging time in education with unwavering commitment and positive attitudes, while maintaining high standards for their students and themselves. I would like to thank everyone who nominated members of our staff for this recognition and congratulate all of the nominees and finalists!”

The 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the year winners will be announced on April 8, 2022.

Teacher of the Year Finalists

T. Blessing (Teacher Finalist )

Tish Blessing

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, White Marsh Elementary

Kelley Cummings

First Grade Teacher, St. Michaels Elementary

J.Hillard(Teacher Finalist )

Jeremy Hillyard

Spanish Teacher, Easton High

K.Spies(Teacher Finalist )

Katie Spies

Kindergarten Teacher, Easton Elementary

Support Staff of the Year Finalists

B.Brooks(Support Staff Finalist)

Beverly Brooks

Instructional Assistant for Special Education, Easton High

D.Decelle (Support Staff Finalist)

Dena Decelle

Library/Media Assistant , Tilghman Elementary

B.Orellana(Support Staff Finalist)

Berenice Orellana

Multilingual Family Liaison, Easton High

Superintendent’s Update 9/21/23

We are back in full swing in our classrooms and on our athletic fields! I hope you’ll come out and support our Fall athletes at Easton High and St. Michaels High!This week some of our students joined me in participating in the county’s September 11th Commemoration here in downtown Easton. This is always a very somber and reflective event, and our students did a fantastic job.

I have LOVED being back in our school buildings with all of our students and staff these last few days! A terrific group of new teachers and Instructional Assistants has joined our outstanding team of educators; our Operations Team has worked hard to make sure that our buildings are SPARKLING; and our Transportation Team is back on the road to ensure our children arrive at school safely!

Superintendent’s Update 9/14/23

We are back in full swing in our classrooms and on our athletic fields! I hope you’ll come out and support our Fall athletes at Easton High and St. Michaels High!This week some of our students joined me in participating in the county’s September 11th Commemoration here in downtown Easton. This is always a very somber and reflective event, and our students did a fantastic job.

I have LOVED being back in our school buildings with all of our students and staff these last few days! A terrific group of new teachers and Instructional Assistants has joined our outstanding team of educators; our Operations Team has worked hard to make sure that our buildings are SPARKLING; and our Transportation Team is back on the road to ensure our children arrive at school safely!

Talbot 9-11 Day to Remember

TCPS was honored to be a part of the Talbot County 9-11 Day to Remember ceremony this morning. What a beautiful community event with performances by the Easton Middle School

Superintendent’s Update 9/7/23

We had a fantastic first week of school, and I want to thank all of our TCPS Students and Families for their support and enthusiasm. We are grateful to the many community organizations who provided school supplies, backpacks, and other basic necessities so that all of our students are equipped for another great year of learning.

Superintendent’s Update 8/31/23

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I am so excited to begin my second year as your Superintendent, as we continue Transforming and Performing Each Day!

I have LOVED being back in our school buildings with all of our students and staff these last few days! A terrific group of new teachers and Instructional Assistants has joined our outstanding team of educators; our Operations Team has worked hard to make sure that our buildings are SPARKLING; and our Transportation Team is back on the road to ensure our children arrive at school safely!

Dress Code & Cell Phone Policy Updates

UPDATES TO DRESS CODE AND CELL PHONE REGULATIONS The purpose of these regulations is to provide an environment that: DRESS CODE REGULATIONS The following may not be worn at school: