MCPS News

Celebrate Excellence: Award Nominations Open for Outstanding Staff

Posted On November 4, 2026

Awards season is here! Nominations are open for several competitions to honor exceptional educators, supporting staff and administrators. They are—

• *NEW* 2027 Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision: Honors an outstanding administrator or supervisor, which includes all school-based, central office, and business and operations administrators in MCAAP. Nominees must have at least five years experience in MCPS. Apply.
  Deadline: Friday, Jan. 9, 2027
• The Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award: Honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher. Nominees must have at least five years of teaching experience, including at least three in MCPS. The winner will represent MCPS as its nominee for the Maryland Teacher of the Year. For nomination information, contact your school’s nomination committee.
  Deadline: Friday, Nov. 20
• Montgomery County Public Schools Rising Star Teacher Award: Honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher within their first five years of teaching. For nomination information, contact your school’s nomination committee.
  Deadline: Friday, Nov. 20
• SEIU Chapter Awards and 2027 Supporting Services Employee of the Year Award: These awards recognize first, second and third place winners in each of SEIU’s eight chapters. Nominees must be active, permanent support professionals with a minimum of three years of service with MCPS. The top winner from each of the eight chapters will be nominated for the Supporting Services Employee of the Year. Nominate
  Deadline: Midnight, Tuesday, Dec. 1 
• Worksite Support Staff Excellence Award: This award honors one outstanding supporting services professional in every MCPS building and worksite who exemplifies excellence, commitment and service to their school or office community. To nominate, contact your building’s worksite committee.
• The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award: This award recognizes preeminence in teaching; encourages creativity and quality in the classroom, and contributes in a substantial way to the improvement of education in the Washington, D.C. region. Nominate
  Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11 
• The 2027 Washington Post Principal of the Year Award: This award recognizes principals who go beyond their day-to-day demands to create an exceptional educational environment. Nominate
  Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11
• The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award: This award honors extraordinary elementary school teachers. Nominate
  Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11
• The Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award: Honoring MCPS principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. Nominate
  Deadline: 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11