Awards Deadline Extended; Get Those Nominations In!
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Educational Administration and Supervision. Given annually to recognize an outstanding administrator or supervisor in MCPS, eligible nominees include principals, assistant principals, school business administrators, directors, supervisors, and other administrator and supervisory positions within the MCAAP/MCBOA unit. Nominees must have been an MCPS administrator for at least five years and must be a current dues-paying member of MCAAP. For questions, contact MCAAP at 301-762-8174. Deadline is 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
Do you know of an outstanding MCPS support professional with three or more years of service? The Supporting Services Employee of the Year Award 2026 recognizes first, second and third place winners in each of SEIU’s eight chapters with monetary awards. The chapters are: Building Services, Food Services, Maintenance, Media and Technology, Office, Paraeducator, Security and Transportation. Deadline has been extended to midnight, Wednesday, Dec. 10.
In addition, the deadline has been extended for the MCPS Teacher of the Year Award, which honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher with 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. Nominees must have a minimum of six years of teaching experience, including at least three in MCPS. Names must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. Completed applications are due Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Be sure to check out these other awards and get those nominations in. Celebrate your amazing coworkers!
Montgomery County Public Schools Rising Star Teacher Award, which honors a full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher who is in their first, second or third year of teaching. This teacher demonstrates a passion for the success of all students, creatively engages students in learning and contributes to a strong, positive partnership among students, staff, parents and the community. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 12
The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award, which recognizes a full-time teacher in prekindergarten through Grade 12. Each nominee must have a minimum of two years teaching experience, one of which must be in MCPS. This award celebrates educators who go the extra mile for their students and demonstrate creativity in providing quality instruction that substantively improves the way children learn in classrooms. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 12
The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award, which recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. Principals must have at least five years of experience, including at least three in MCPS. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 12
The Shirley J. Lowrie Thank You for Teaching Award, which honors elementary school teachers, prekindergarten through Grade 5, who must work directly with students in the classroom on a daily basis, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter, and effectively communicate that subject matter to students. The nominee should be a teacher who goes the extra mile to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 12
Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award: Established in 1991, this award honors MCPS principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach. Nominees must have a minimum of two years of experience. Deadline: midnight on Friday, Dec. 12