WESTOVER, MD (March 13, 2025) - For 38 years, Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) has upheld the proud tradition of recognizing outstanding educators through the Teacher of the Year Program. Each year, exceptional teachers from every school are nominated by students, families, school staff, and community members in a collaborative selection process. These candidates then undergo a rigorous evaluation by their colleagues to determine their school's Teacher of the Year.
School-level honorees advance to compete for the titles of Elementary and Secondary School Teacher of the Year, with an external panel of community judges assessing their written submissions and interviews. The candidate with the highest overall score earns the distinguished title of Somerset County Teacher of the Year and moves forward as Somerset’s representative in the Maryland Teacher of the Year competition.
The 2025-2026 Elementary, Secondary, and Somerset County Teacher of the Year will be revealed at the Somerset Teacher of the Year Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Henson Center Ballroom.
Meet the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Candidates
Carter G. Woodson Elementary School: Mrs. Allison Grove, 5th Grade Reading and English Language Arts Teacher
Allison Grove has been an educator with Somerset County Public Schools since 2007, beginning her career as a middle school math teacher before transitioning to elementary education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with minors in Mathematics and Psychology from Salisbury University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Salisbury University. Currently, she teaches 5th grade Reading and Language Arts, serving as team leader and coordinating the school’s promotion ceremony. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Grove has been an active community volunteer, coaching field hockey with Somerset County Recreation and Parks since 2018.
L-R: Carter G. Woodson Elementary School Assistant Principal, Mr. Jensen Long, Principal, Mrs. Elizabeth Berry, 2025-2026 Carter G. Woodson Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Allison Grove, Assistant Principal. Faughn Blair.
Deal Island Elementary School: Ms. Danielle Cullen, 4th & 5th Grade Math & Science Teacher
Danielle Cullen brings a passion for STEM education to her role as a 4th and 5th grade math and science teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. Ms. Cullen actively collaborates with colleagues across the county and is part of a tri-county cohort organized by the Maryland State Department of Education to enhance instruction for gifted students and prioritize science education. She has also led multiple professional development sessions, sharing her expertise and enthusiasm for science with fellow educators.
L-R: Ms. Danielle Cullen, 2025-2026 Deal Island Elementary School Teacher of the year and Principal, Mrs Ashley Walters.
Greenwood Elementary School: Miss Rachel Bakewell, 2nd Grade Teacher
Rachel Bakewell is committed to fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments as a 2nd grade teacher at Greenwood Elementary. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology in Education at Mount St. Mary’s University. Dedicated to leadership and collaboration, Miss Bakewell serves as a School Union Representative, a member of the Reading and Equity School Improvement Team, and a participant in the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) Leadership Team. She also mentors future educators, supporting their development in the profession.
L-R: Greenwood Elementary School Principal, Dr. Kirstin Gibson and 2025-2026 Greenwood Elementary School Teacher of the year, Miss Rachel Bakewell
Princess Anne Elementary School: Miss Alyson Justice, Kindergarten Teacher
Alyson Justice is a dedicated early childhood educator who holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University. As a kindergarten teacher at Princess Anne Elementary, she prioritizes making learning engaging and enjoyable for her students. She serves on the school's reading improvement committee and is a strong advocate for early literacy development. Miss Justice has played an active role in supporting the implementation of the county’s elementary reading curriculum, CKLA. She has also previously taught 3rd grade and Pre-Kindergarten in Somerset County, bringing a wealth of experience to early learning initiatives.
L-R: Princess Anne Elementary School Assistant Principal, Mrs. Bobbi Callis, 2025-2026 Princess Anne Elementary School Teacher of the year, Miss Alyson Justice, and Princess Anne Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Christa Taylor
Crisfield Academy & High School: Ms. Robin Ford, U.S. History Teacher
Robin Ford has been shaping young minds in Somerset County Public Schools for nearly three decades, bringing a wealth of experience to her role as a 9th grade U.S. History II teacher at Crisfield Academy & High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hood College and a Master of Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Certified in Social Studies for grades 7-12, Ms. Ford has also taught at Washington Academy & High School and the Somerset Alternative Learning Center. She has been involved in numerous educational initiatives, including Upward Bound, GED programs, Junior Achievement, and the Summer Youth Employment Program. Additionally, she has served as a varsity tennis coach.
L-R: Crisfield Academy & High School Assistant Principal, Ms. Vestina Davis, 2025-2026 Crisfield Academy & High School Teacher of the Year, Ms. Robin Ford, and Crisfield Academy & High School Dean of Students, Mrs. Keisha Evans
Somerset County Technical High School: Mr. Michael Drake, Business Administrative Services Instructor
Michael Drake brings extensive real-world experience to his role as a Business Administrative Services instructor. He graduated from Notre Dame High School, a Catholic high school in Elmira, New York, where he was influenced by the values of discipline, integrity, morality, and service. A graduate of Wesley College and the University of Phoenix, where he earned his degree magna cum laude, Mr. Drake previously worked in sales and sales management with Fortune 500 companies. His professional background has shaped his teaching philosophy, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of business concepts. His commitment to education is driven by a passion for preparing students for success in the workforce and beyond.
Mr. Michael Drake, 2025-2026 Somerset County Technical High School Teacher of the Year
Somerset Intermediate School: Mrs. Kristen Bratcher, 6th Grade Science Teacher
Kristen Bratcher is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and fostering a love of science among her students. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in English from Salisbury University. As a 6th grade science teacher, she played a key role in selecting the current middle school science curriculum and continues to support its implementation through resource development and collaboration. Mrs. Bratcher is also an active member of the Parent/Family Engagement Committee, working to strengthen connections between the school, students, and their families.
Mrs. Kristen Bratcher, 2025-2026 Somerset Intermediate School Teacher of the Year
Washington Academy & High School: Ms. Toni Stewart-Brown, English, Reading & World Language Teacher
Toni Stewart-Brown is a dedicated educator at Washington Academy & High School, where she teaches English, Reading, and World Language. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Bowie State University and a Master’s Degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. Passionate about creating a positive school culture, she serves on the Sunshine Committee, which promotes staff morale, and the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) committee. She has also mentored new teachers and previously served as the 8th-grade advisor. In addition to her work in education, Ms. Stewart-Brown is an active member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, supporting community outreach efforts such as food, clothing, and back-to-school drives.
L-R: Ms. Toni Stewart-Brown, 2025-2026 Washington Academy & High School Teacher of the year and Interim Principal, Mr. Shelton Handy