Twenty-five educators from Wicomico County Public Schools have been named semifinalists for 2026-2027 Wicomico Teacher of the Year, and have been celebrated in their schools. They now begin the extensive judging process that will lead to the naming of the next Wicomico Teacher of the Year on April 9.
Semifinalists are scheduled to participate in a scored Fishbowl public speaking event on Monday, Jan. 26, with judges from the school system and community. In February, the semifinalists will sit for an interview with a blue ribbon panel of judges who are all former Wicomico Teachers of the Year. They will also submit a written prompt packet. Scores from these three activities will determine who will be the next Wicomico Teacher of the Year.
The annual Wicomico Teacher of the Year Celebration, with more than 200 guests including dozens of outstanding teachers, school administrators, and other supporters from the school system, Board of Education and the community, will be held on April 9. That night, all 25 semifinalists will be celebrated. Four finalists – the semifinalists with the four highest total scores – will be announced. One of those finalists will be the next Wicomico Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations and good luck to the 25 semifinalists for 2026-2027 Wicomico Teacher of the Year!
Semifinalists for 2026-2027 Wicomico Teacher of the Year:
Beaver Run Elementary: Meghan Albers, Prekindergarten
Bennett Middle: Kari Thomas (NBCT), Math
Charles H. Chipman Elementary: Shelley Smith, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Delmar Elementary: Tracy Hayes (NBCT), Special Education
East Salisbury Elementary: Heather Davis, 3rd Grade
Fruitland Primary: Courtney Feeney, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Fruitland Intermediate: Kacie Robinson, 3rd Grade
Glen Avenue Elementary: Lyndsay Greenan, 2nd Grade
James M. Bennett High: Dr. Chelsea Taylor, English Language Arts/Literacy Professional Development Coach
Mardela Middle & High: Amber Dorman, English Language Arts
North Salisbury Elementary: Madeline Naumann, 3rd Grade Magnet Math
Northwestern Elementary: Melissa Hileman, 5th Grade
Parkside High/CTE: Andre Carter, Physical Education
Pemberton Elementary: Marsha Rickards, Kindergarten
Pinehurst Elementary: Jodi Moore (NBCT), Reading Intervention
Pittsville Elementary & Middle: Kristin Walston, Reading Intervention
Prince Street Elementary: Diane Powers, 3rd Grade
Salisbury Middle: Gabrielle Cuppett, Chorus
West Salisbury Elementary: Lauren Gilmore (NBCT), 1st Grade
Westside Primary: Jessica Carter (NBCT), Reading Intervention
Westside Intermediate: Bethany Hammond, 2nd Grade
Wicomico Middle: Katy Likovich, 8th-Grade Science
Wicomico High: Danielle Glenn, Math
Willards Elementary: Sophia Vitilio, 3rd Grade
Special Programs: Jennifer Campbell, Math, Virtual Learning. (She also serves as Math Professional Development Coach at Parkside High.)
NBCT: National Board Certified Teacher
