FCPS Teacher of the year ALonna Soward
Frederick, MD – ALonna Soward, a charismatic fourth grade teacher at Monocacy Elementary and a proud FCPS graduate, is the 2025-26 Frederick County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
Soward was surprised with the news at a ceremony held at Monocacy Elementary attended by students, teachers, administrators, and county and system leaders. Soward is the first Monocacy Elementary teacher to earn FCPS Teacher of the Year. She will serve as the FCPS representative in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.
“I am so thrilled to celebrate ALonna Soward as the 2025-26 FCPS Teacher of the Year,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “She enthusiastically supports her students, and she cares deeply about the success of everyone in her classroom.”
Soward has served as a teacher at Monocacy Elementary, where she also completed an internship while in college, since 2019. She is the fourth grade team leader and an active member of the School Improvement Team, STEM Team, and Systemic Blueprint Team. Soward is a mentor to novice teachers. She is well known at Monocacy Elementary for her innovative, fun lessons.
Soward holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from Hood College in Frederick, where she also earned a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership. She chose to attend college in her hometown. She is a proud Frederick High graduate and also attended West Frederick Middle, Spring Ridge Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary as a student.
“She speaks with great passion and excitement about the progress of her students and the work being done within the classroom,” wrote Monocacy Elementary Principal Troy Barnes in his Teacher of the Year recommendation. “Her excitement for education is contagious across her team and the entire school.”
Principals kick off the Teacher of the Year selection process by nominating outstanding educators. From there, selection committees at each level, comprised of FCPS leaders, teachers and community members, play a crucial role in the evaluation process.
FCPS is appreciative of partners Dynamic Automotive, Education Systems Federal Credit Union, and Ferko Maryland Federal Credit Union for providing cash gifts and to Brewer’s Alley, Curious Iguana, Frederick Coffee Company & Cafe, and Madrones for providing gift certificates.
FCPS Teacher of the Year has been given annually since 1998. A complete list of past winners can be found here.