Four educators have been named finalists for 2026-2027 FCPS Teacher of the Year:
- Emma Jozwiak, Deer Crossing Elementary
- Kim Pestka, Hillcrest Elementary
- Alicia Souder, Parkway Elementary
- Lei Ann Woozley, New Market Elementary
One of the four finalists will be named 2026-27 FCPS Teacher of the Year.
2026-27 FCPS Teacher of the Year finalists
Emma Jozwiak is a kindergarten teacher at Deer Crossing Elementary, where she is the kindergarten team leader, Schoology ambassador, School Improvement Team member, teacher mentor, and Girls on the Run coach. At the county level, she supports educator development through the Vanguard Lead Team. This is Jozwiak’s seventh year as a teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Towson University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Hood College in Frederick. She recently achieved National Board Certification in Early Literacy.
Kim Pestka is a behavior support specialist at Hillcrest Elementary, where she advances school improvement by fostering acceptance, academic growth, and engagement. She leads school-based initiatives such as Rising Stars and Hanging with the Huskies and promotes instructional excellence as a mentor teacher and summer program contributor. In her 22nd year as an educator, Pestka holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master's in Reading from Goucher College.
Alicia Souder is a Literacy Specialist at Parkway Elementary, where she is a School Improvement Team member, Literacy Leader team member, and Girls on the Run coach. She also facilitates Maryland State Department of Education reading courses and literacy family involvement nights. This is her 21st year as an educator – all at Parkway. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from Mount St. Mary’s University, where she also earned a Master’s in Reading. She teaches graduate reading courses at Hood College.
Lei Ann Woozley is a fourth and fifth grade teacher at New Market Elementary, where she actively contributes to schoolwide efforts to strengthen instructional practices and advance personalized learning. This is Woozley’s 20th year as an educator. She has also served as a Team Leader, School Improvement Team Chair, STEM Leader, and Schoology Ambassador. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Leadership from McDaniel College.
FCPS Teacher of the Year program details
Each year, one dedicated FCPS educator is named Teacher of the Year and becomes Frederick County’s nominee in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.
Each school is eligible to nominate one educator for Teacher of the Year. A comprehensive list of the 2026-27 FCPS Teacher of the Year nominees is posted online.
Monocacy Elementary’s ALonna Soward-Puryear is the current Maryland State Teacher of the Year and the FCPS Teacher of the Year.