The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award

2026 MCPS Winner

With 22 years of experience, Margret Bower currently teaches third grade at Rock View Elementary School. Known for her ability to connect deeply with students, Bower creates a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued and capable of success.

Bower has focused on meeting the diverse needs of her students, including multilingual learners and those with individualized education plans. She believes in recognizing students’ strengths and fostering a growth mindset, encouraging them to embrace challenges and celebrate progress. Her thoughtful, student-centered approach has led to significant academic gains, including notable growth in reading achievement.

She creates a magical classroom environment where students are encouraged to take risks. She encourages students’ thinking from “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it, yet,” recognizing that learning is a process and growth takes time. Her students support each other in their learning and cheer each other on. Her classroom is safe, uplifting and filled with love. Much of Bower’s career has focused on educating students with non-traditional learning styles; she has earned graduate certificates in bilingual special education and in educating students with dyslexia and autism.

She sponsors the Rainbow Club, which spreads kindness throughout the school by posting caring, affirming messages for everyone. Her commitment extends to showing up to her students' sports events, plays and community events.

Bower serves as the school’s elected faculty representative and union building representative. She has also served as a team leader and co-led the Elementary Council on Teaching and Learning, and contributed to curriculum development and instructional improvement efforts. She has mentored student teachers and interns and served as a teacher trainer.