BALTIMORE, MD—ALonna Soward-Puryear, a fourth-grade teacher at Monocacy Elementary School in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), was named the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year on Friday.
Soward-Puryear was selected from a field of seven finalists during the 35th Annual Teacher of the Year Gala held at Valley Mansion by Martin’s in Hunt Valley. She is the first FCPS educator to receive the honor in 15 years.
“ALonna Soward-Puryear exemplifies the transformative power of education,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “Her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student success make her a beacon of excellence in Maryland’s classrooms.”…