Each year, we honor one of our many outstanding educators by naming a Teacher of the Year.
The BCPS Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee of administrators, teachers, students, and BCPS staff. Each BCPS school, program, and center can nominate one teacher for consideration.
2021-2022 BCPS Teacher of the Year
Brianna Ross
Deer Park Middle Magnet School
From April 27, 2021
In her sixth year as a teacher, Brianna Ross teaches middle school history. She serves as Deer Park’s Social Studies Department Chair, Equity Liaison, and Summer Transition Program Coordinator and has been a BCPS curriculum writer among many roles.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she received both a bachelor’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Ross also earned a certificate in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University of Maryland and is working towards a doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership from Morgan State University.
“When I began teaching, I was intentional about working specifically in communities of color because I believe that it is critical for our students of color to learn from teachers who share their perspectives, understand their experiences and recognize the need to make an unwavering commitment to their success,” Ross wrote in her BCPS Teacher of the Year application.
“In my classroom, I have created a culture that prioritizes building positive relationships and academic rigor above all else. It is my mission to ensure that when each of my students step into my space, they feel that they are part of a community that loves them, values who they are, and will protect them no matter what,” Ross continued. “In spite of the chaos that has surrounded the last year, ‘stepping’ into my classroom and teaching continues to be a source of joy. If I have learned anything from this pandemic, it is that taking care of my students will always be my first priority.”
Read the full press release.
Former Teachers of the Year
2020-2021
Robert Runk, Parkville Middle School
2019-2020
Kristen Nielsen, Crossroads Center
2018-2019
Brendan Penn, Lyons Mill Elementary School
2017-2018
Rebecca Eig, Owings Mills Elementary School
2016-2017
Corey Carter, Old Court Middle School
2015-2016
Orly Mondell, New Town High School
2014-2015
Anne Cross, Gunpowder Elementary School
2013-2014 and 2014 National and Maryland State Teacher of the Year
Sean McComb
2012-2013
Angela Rountree, Ridgely Middle School
2011-2012
Joshua Parker, Windsor Mill Middle School and Maryland State Teacher of the Year
2010-2011
Ralene Jacobson, Franklin Elementary School
2009-2010
Cecily Anderson, Catonsville Middle School
2008-2009
John Billingslea, Franklin High School
2007-2008
Robin August, Deep Creek Middle School
2006-2007
Michelle Lee Dressel, Loch Raven Academy
2005-2006
Jodi Grosser-Gonzalez, New Town High School
2004-2005
Sharon Grimes, Lansdowne Elementary School
2003-2004
Paul E. Winfield, Southwest Academy
2002-2003
Cheryl Bost, Mars Estates Elementary School
2001-2002
Christina Blackman, Music, Battle Monument School
2000-2001
Sarah Jeanne Sayles, Catonsville Middle School
1999-2000
Deborah McClintock, McCormick Elementary School
1998-1999
James Wharton, Catonsville High School
1997-1998
Diane Richmond, Owings Mills Elementary School
1996-1997
Susan Falcone, Loch Raven High School
1995-1996
Mary Boegner, Shady Spring Elementary School
1994-1995
Sally McNelis, Eastern Technical High School
1993-1994
Sheldon Lebowitz, Johnnycake Elementary School
1992-1993
Bonnie Block, Riverview Elementary School
1991-1992
Martie Noel, Essex Elementary School
1990-1991
Pat Shelton, Deep Creek Middle School
1989-1990
Bernice De Bels, Wellwood Elementary School
1988-1989
Kathy Corley, Lansdowne Middle School