Maryland 2018-2019 Teachers of the Year Award Nominees

The Maryland Teacher of the Year Program, an affiliate of the National Teacher of the Year program, serves all 24 Maryland school districts. Three Maryland State Teachers were selected and named National Teachers of the Year and 3 additional candidates were named National Finalists.  The Maryland Teacher of the Year participates in numerous national events, speaks to audiences throughout Maryland and beyond and receives monetary awards, technology equipment, and other prizes including the gift of a new car from the Maryland Automobile Dealers’ Association.

Loyola University Maryland’s School of Education is honored to have two of its alumni be winners for their county and be named a nominee for the State of Maryland 2018-2019 Teachers of the Year award.  

Heather Carnaghan

Literacy Education program
Monarch Global Academy, Social Studies, Grade 8, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
2018-2019 Maryland Teacher of the Year Finalist

Heather Carnaghan is a National board-certified teacher with thirteen years of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan, a Master’s in Literacy from Loyola University Maryland, and an administrator certification from McDaniel. Heather began teaching in a Title I school.  She currently teaches and designs curriculum for 8th grade Collaborative Student Inquiry, a project-based learning class that is unique to Monarch Global Academy. Heather coordinates the AVID program, leads the hiring team, and is a member of the leadership team. She is committed to building a culture of kindness and growth within her classroom and school community.  

Daleisha Myers

Educational Leadership, Certificate in Administration and Supervision
Tulip Grove Elementary School, RELA/Math, Grade 5, Prince George’s County Public Schools

Daleisha Myers' leadership roles include professional development lead teacher, member of the school management team, and mentor teacher.  She is an adjunct professor at Bowie State University, where she received the Bowie State University Teacher Leader Award and was recognized for her work as a professional development school coordinator. She also received the City of Bowie Excellence in Education Award. Myers holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from University of Maryland (2005), a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix, and a Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University Maryland.