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2024-2025 Somerset Teacher of the Year Program

Since its inception in Somerset 37 years ago, SCPS has celebrated the tradition of selecting and honoring exceptional teachers from each school through the Teacher of the Year Program. School Teacher of the Year candidates are selected through a collaborative process where nominations are sought from students, families, school staff and members of the community. Candidates are evaluated through a competitive process by a group of their colleagues to determine the school’s next Teacher of the Year.

School Teachers of the Year are now competing for the Elementary, and Secondary School Teacher of the Year titles with assistance from an external panel of judges selected from the community. The Elementary or Secondary School Teacher of the Year with the highest composite score from written and interview evaluations is awarded the Somerset County Teacher of the Year title, continuing on to compete at the state-level as Somerset’s candidate for Maryland School Teacher of the Year.

The Elementary, Secondary and 2024 Somerset Teacher of the Year will be announced on Friday, April 5, 2024 at the Teacher of the Year Banquet and Awards Ceremony, held at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Henson Center Ballroom.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
– Malala Yousafzai

2024-2025 Somerset Teacher of the Year Candidates

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Carter G. Woodson Elementary School: Mrs. Danielle Crockett, PreK-4 Teacher

Danielle Crockett received her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary and special education from Anderson University in South Carolina (2010). She is in the process of receiving her Master’s Degree in curriculum and instruction. She has attended Salisbury University and will complete her degree from Western Governors University. She has received certification in both early childhood and elementary education. She is in her 14th year teaching and currently teaches pre-kindergarten at Woodson Elementary where she also is a co-chair for the early childhood SIT committee. In addition to the work she does at school, she is also an active member of Lynnhaven Baptist Church where she sings on the worship team each Sunday.

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Deal Island Elementary School: Ms. Anna Powers, First Grade Teacher

Anna Powers received her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University (2022) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Salisbury University (2017). While pursuing her Bachelor's degree she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi America's largest education honor society and President for one year. Currently she is a first grade teacher, but she has also taught fourth grade and fifth grade. She is involved with the after school tutoring program. She is also involved in the summer school and migrant program during the summer.

woman with brown  hair pulled back in a gray shirt holding a certificate and smiling next to a woman in a red dress and blue sweater who is also smiling

Greenwood Elementary School: Mrs. Ashley Blevins, Fourth Grade Teacher

Ashley Blevins received her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University (2011) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University (2009), and an Associates in the Arts of Teaching from Anne Arundel Community College (2007). Currently a 4th grade teacher at Greenwood Elementary, where she mentors first year teachers, serves as the Gifted and Talented Teacher. Ashley is a member of the Reading and Hospitality Committees for her school. Ashley has participated in conferences relating to the review of Testing Content for MCAP with various teachers located throughout the state of Maryland.

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Princess Anne Elementary School: Mrs. Hannah Quillen, PreK-4 Teacher

Hannah Quillen received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Salisbury University (2017). She is currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University as well. Currently, Mrs. Quillen is teaching Pre-K at Princess Anne Elementary School. She leads the Sunshine Committee, teaches in the after-school tutoring program, and participates in various School Improvement teams. She has just recently received the “Teacher Who Makes A Difference” Award from 47ABC. Mrs. Quillen truly enjoys her job as a teacher and loves being involved in her school community.

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Crisfield Academy & High School: Ms. Erin Walbert, Social Studies Teacher

Erin Walbert received her Bachelor of Arts in History (2018) and Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction (2023) from Salisbury University. Currently an 8th and 9th grade US I and II History teacher, she is the founder and head coach of the Crisfield Varsity Women’s Soccer team, coach of the Outdoor Track and Field team, and founder and advisor of the CHS Recycling Club. Erin is the 8th grade team leader, serves as an instructional mentor for new teachers, and has led several Professional Development sessions for the Social Studies department in data collection, classroom engagement strategies, and Teaching Current and Contested issues. She has received perfect attendance recognition for the last 3 years and was voted the 2024 Crisfield High School Teacher of the year by her coworkers.

man in black shirt holding a sign that says "teacher of the year" next to a woman in a jean jacket who is also smiling

Somerset County Technical High: Zachary Bartemy , PLTW/Engineering Instructor

Zachary Bartemy is a National Board Certified Engineering Teacher. He received a Master’s in Career and Technology Education from University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2022) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from James Madison University (2017). Zach established the engineering and robotics program, working on projects with UMES, Purdue University, and NASA. Five of Zach’s students have completed Job Shadows at NASA in the past two years. Using technology, he has led students into the community to design and test fishing lures, launch and analyze designed rockets, compete in robotics and drone events, and earn certification in Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

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Somerset Intermediate School: Mrs. April Milbert, Chorus & Music Teacher

April Milbert received her Master’s equivalent in Music Performance from The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (1995) and her Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Peabody Conservatory of Music (1994). She attended The Baltimore City Teaching Residency Program and received her Education Degree from Johns Hopkins University (2009). Currently she is covering the Band program at Somerset Intermediate School and has taught Chorus and General Music. April is also a member of the Parent/Family Engagement Committee.

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Washington Academy & High: Mrs. Kylie Austin – Social Studies Teacher

Kylie Austin received her Bachelor’s Degree in History from Salisbury University (2016) and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, as well as her National Board Certification. As a high school social studies teacher, she has helped students realize the importance of historical events, geography, cultural differences, and political ideologies through various school trips and community partnerships. For the last four years, Kylie has been an advisor to the senior class where she has helped seniors prepare for graduation, plan for the future and facilitate senior events. Kylie is also a part of the Blueprint Pillar Two Steering Committee, whose goal is to raise the standards and status of the teaching profession.