FCPS’ Jonathan Kurtz is Finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year

Johnathan Kurtz, FCPS 2022-23 Teacher of the Year

Gov. Thomas Johnson High’s Jonathan Kurtz is one of seven finalists for 2022-23 Maryland Teacher of the Year.

Kurtz, the 2022-23 Frederick County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, is the Coordinator for the Academy for the Fine Arts at TJ High. The Academy for the Fine Arts is a program open to students from all 10 comprehensive FCPS high schools.

“We are thrilled to hear Mr. Kurtz has been named a finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “I know he has been working hard so students can have outstanding experiences this year at the Academy of Fine Arts. This is certainly a well-deserved honor.”

Kurtz was informed he was a finalist during a surprise visit attended by Dr. Dyson, FCPS system leaders, Gov. Thomas Johnson High principal Tracey Kibler and Academy for the Fine Arts students.

Kurtz is in his 20th year teaching music in grades K-12, including concert band, jazz band, orchestra, music theory, music technology and music history. He regularly participates in curriculum writing and department-chair meetings and served on the school’s Hybrid Reopening Committee.

Urbana High’s Michelle Shearer was the last FCPS educator to win Maryland Teacher of the Year in 2010-11. She was also named National Teacher of the Year. She is currently the Project Manager for High School Innovation and Transformation for the LYNX Program at Frederick High.

One of the seven finalists will be named Maryland Teacher of the Year. MSDE will formally announce the state winner at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, during the 32nd Maryland Teacher of the Year annual awards celebration, which will be broadcast on Maryland Public Television. The individual selected as Maryland Teacher of the Year will also compete with all the other state winners across the country for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

The mission of the Maryland Teacher of the Year program is to honor, promote and celebrate excellence in the teaching profession. The program helps recognize the invaluable contributions of all classroom teachers, who help Maryland flourish and grow.