Human Resources and Development → Awards & Recognition → Montgomery County Teacher of the Year Award
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
MCPS Teacher of the Year 2024
Melissa Porter Parks, Gaithersburg High School
Melissa Porter Parks, English Language Development resource teacher at Gaithersburg High School, was named the 2024–2025 MCPS Teacher of the Year during a celebration at Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville on May 1. She will now compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year.
About the Award
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher of the Year Award honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who has a demonstrated record of high academic expectations for all students, engaging students of all backgrounds and abilities, contributing to a positive school culture, and connecting with the school community. The MCPS Teacher of the Year goes on to represent MCPS as the nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year Award.
About the Nominee
The nominee:
Is a current full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher in MCPS.
Has at least six full years of teaching experience, including three or more years in MCPS.
Must maintain MCPS teaching position throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
Is not a previous recipient of this award. (Previous nominees who did not win may be re-nominated.).
If selected, the recipient agrees to accept the role and fulfill the obligations of the MCPS Teacher of the Year.
Who Can Nominate a Teacher?
Nominations may be submitted by staff, students, former students, parents, administrators or the general public. Teachers may not nominate themselves. Nominees may be asked to contribute to the development of the nomination packet. Nominators should work with school and community members to create a strong application package.
Winner Selection and Announcement - A panel appointed by the chief of Human Resources and Development will select the recipient.
Nomination Submission
Requirements
Nominations must be supported by at least one of the following: a student; a staff member, a parent/guardian, or community member. A minimum of six years’ experience as an MCPS teacher is also required.
Nomination Deadline & How to Submit: (Check back in October 2025)
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources and Development (OHRD) at 240-740-7012.