The Prince George's County Board of Education and Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) will announce the 2012 Prince George's County Teacher of the Year during a celebration on April 25. Twenty-six educators representing every school level were nominated for the honor of representing the county as its most outstanding educator for one year. The Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year acts as an ambassador for education, speaks at special events and goes on to compete for the prestigious Maryland Teacher of the Year award. The last time a Prince George’s County teacher won at the state level was in 2008, when William Thomas of Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School received the honor.

This year’s event will feature remarks from Board of Education Chair Verjeana M. Jacobs and the 2011 Prince George's County Teacher of the Year, RaeShauna Mboma. Dr. Darla F. Strouse, executive director of Partnerships, Development and Recognition from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), will bring greetings as well as County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and Superintendent of Schools Dr. William R. Hite. The winner of the student essay contest will read their entry on “How My Teacher Prepares Me to be College Ready.” Attendees will be entertained by student performers in the Jazz Band from Gwynn Park High School.

Organized by MSDE, the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program recognizes the work being done by the state’s outstanding teachers. Drawing from a pool of nominees from each county, one individual teacher is selected for the honor of representing Maryland in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

For more information, visit the PGCPS educator awards website or the MSDE website.