Education  

Silver Spring’s Montgomery Blair High School English teacher named Teacher of the Year

A Montgomery Blair High School educator has been named the 2026 Teacher of the Year.

“I’m elated, speechless,” said Michelle Elie, an English teacher at Montgomery Blair, after being named Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Tuesday.

Elie teaches 12th grade honors English and is an advisor to the online newspaper, Silver Chips. She also developed an African-American literature class, rising the offering from an elective to a semester long English course. She is also founder of Blair’s African-American studies academy.

The Burtonsville resident has been teaching at MCPS for 21 years and will now represent the school district as the nominee for Maryland Teacher of the Year.

“I feel my commitment to education is beyond the classroom,” Elie told MCM.

She was recognized for “nurturing student talent, fostering inclusive communities and empowering marginalized voices through poetry, literature and advocacy,” according to MCPS.

Elie was one of three finalists for MCPS Teacher of the Year. Alvaro Silva, a music teacher at Laytonsville Elementary School, was named elementary school Teacher of the Year. Delia Dunlap, a model United Nations teacher at Silver Spring International Middle School, was middle school Teacher of the Year.

Kayla Jackson, first grade teacher at Montgomery Knolls Elementary School, was named MCPS Rising Star Teacher of the Year.

The Distinguished Service to Education Honors Event at the Silver Spring Civic Center was festive, starting with a buffet dinner from a local Italian eatery.

The recognition ceremony included performances by the MCPS Faculty Jazz Combo, Roaring Bengals Drumline and Color Guard from James Hubert Blake High School, Northwest High School Singers, Ritmo Latin Dance Team and CH Stage from Clarksburg High.

“This is a big night for MCPS, kind of like the Golden Globes,” said Christine Handy, president of the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals.

In between award presentations, Superintendent Thomas Taylor danced with multiple school officials, some who joined in and others who passed at the opportunity.

“Public schools matter,” Taylor said repeatedly throughout the evening. “Public education is power.”

 

Jessican Faith, a meteorologist at the NBC Washington affiliate, served as mistress of ceremonies. “The people we celebrate tonight are doers, change makers,” Faith said.

Maryland Delegate Greg Wims (D-39) was named Legislator of the Year for his championship of public education. Wims was instrumental in helping pass legislation that ensured that all sections of the GED test are offered in Spanish and those who cannot afford to take Advancement Placement classes can still do so.

Superintendent Thomas Taylor, Del. Greg Wims, Board President Grace Rivera-Oven

“I know education is at the core of who he is,” said Grace Rivera-Oven, president of the Montgomery County Board of Education.

MilliporeSigma was honored as BOE’s Education Business Partner for “bringing dynamic opportunities,” according to BOE President Julie Yang. The company invests in the district’s biotech and medical bioscience programs both financially and through mentorships.

Kim Saphire earned the title BOE School Service Volunteer for her efforts to help struggling readers at Harmony Hills Elementary School, leading to the creation of Let’s Read Tutoring Club.

Rhoshanda Pyles was named the Dr. Edward Shirley Award for Excellence in Education and Administration and Supervision. She is Rockville High School Principal.

Students also were honored. Raj Awasthi received the BOE Student Service Award for the Montgomery Blair High School junior’s efforts to engage students in environmental action and civic participation.

Addison Finlay was named RAISE Champion of the Year. The student athlete attends Northwood High and is a premier hurdler in Maryland, a National Honor Society member and is earning both her high school and college associate’s degree at Montgomery College.

MCPS Athletic Director Jeff Sullivan and Northwood Student Addison Finlay

Jamie Darvish, EVP and COO of Darcars Automotive Group, was honored with a Legacy Award for his partnership with MCPS and its Automotive Trades Foundation.

Several members of SEIU were named employee of the year in various departments. Bryan Nance, media services technician at Montgomery Blair High; Oscar Alvarenga, a newcomers transition coordinator with the Department of International Admissions; Aaron McFarland, paraeducator at Col. Zadok Magruder High School; Alicia Vargas, Sargent Shriver Elementary School building service manager; Michelle Li, food services field manager for the Department of Food and Nutrition Services; Michael Foxwell, assistant maintenance facilities manager with the Division of Maintenance and Operations; Jackeline Stella Riva, security assistant at William Farquhar Middle School; and Santos Rivera Hernandez, parts specialist at Shady Grove bus depot.

The BOE Community Partner Award was presented to Donald Williams and the Game Changers Conference Committee for their commitment to public education.

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