MCPS Rising Star Teacher Award

MCPS Rising Star Teacher 2026

Now in her fifth year teaching, Kayla Jackson is in her first year teaching first grade after spending the last four in kindergarten. An exceptional early-career educator, she fills her classroom at Montgomery Knolls Elementary School with celebrations of achievements, and has taught students a system for tracking their own progress, encouraging students to achieve goals they set for themselves. Jackson, whose impact extends beyond her years in the classroom, is this year’s MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year.

As a political science graduate with plans to pursue a career in government, she discovered her calling in education while working as a kindergarten paraeducator. Since then, she has shown remarkable resilience and dedication, completing her graduate studies during the pandemic.

Jackson has established herself as a skilled instructional leader and a trusted colleague. Jackson creates a classroom environment where students feel valued, supported and inspired to learn. She constantly finds ways to make the curriculum meaningful by creating authentic experiences for her students. She seizes every moment to teach students to be writers, explicitly modeling craft and honoring the student voice. Jackson regularly positions students as the “teacher,” intentionally disrupting traditional power dynamics so students build confidence and leadership skills.

In 2024-2025, her data-driven approach led to measurable gains in student achievement, reflected in increasing MAP growth achievement for Hispanic students, which soared from 38% to 63%. Growth in reading proficiency for all students increased from 63% to 88%.

She emphasizes social-emotional development, fosters curiosity and builds confidence in every learner. Her commitment to students extends beyond academics, as she works closely with families and connects them to resources that support overall well-being. She takes the time to build relationships with every student and every family because she genuinely believes that partnership is the key to student success.