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Teacher of the Year Program

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Jenn Lombardi
Director, Office of School and Family Partnerships

Meghan O'Brien
Marketing and Outreach Specialist, Communications Office

Joe Callahan
Executive Director, The Education Foundation of AACPS

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TOY honorees

About our Teacher of the Year Program

The Teacher of the Year program annually recognizes exceptional educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to student success. These outstanding teachers inspire, engage, and lead within their school communities, serving as role models and elevating the teaching profession. The program celebrates their dedication and impact on shaping the future.

2024 Anne Arundel County Teacher Of The Year

Elizabeth Heist

Elizabeth Heist

Elizabeth Heist, a music teacher at Lake Shore Elementary School for 11 years, was named the 2024 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. The announcement came at the culmination of the 38th annual Excellence in Education Awards held at the Live! Event Center at Arundel Mills on May 3rd, 2024.

Sixty-five public school educators were nominated for the 2024 Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year (TOY) Award. Learn more about who they are by visiting our 2024 Teacher of the Year Program website.

Application Process

Interested in our application process? Learn more by visiting our Application Process page.

Meet Our Past Winners

Learn more about our excellent educators who have previously been awarded the title of Anne Arundel County Public Schools Teacher of the Year!

Photo of Elizabeth Heist, the 2024 Teacher of the Year, speaking at a podium giving her acceptance speech.

Celebrating our Teacher of the Year Honorees

Plans are underway for where and when we'll be celebrating our Teacher of the Year honorees and where we'll be formally announcing who our 2025 Teacher of the Year is. This event is hosted and sponsored by The Education Foundation of Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Please check back here for updates regarding the celebratory event.