On Monday, March 10, 2025, the Board of Education of Allegany County hosted the 37^th Annual Teacher of the Year Celebration. During this year’s virtual award celebration, five Allegany County Public School educators were honored for their dedication and commitment to student success. Jeannette Milburn of Braddock Middle was selected as the 2025-2026 Allegany County Teacher of the Year.  

"I am deeply honored to be named Allegany County Teacher of the Year,” says Mrs. Milburn This recognition reflects the incredible students, supportive colleagues, and vibrant community that make our schools so special. Teaching is not just about sharing knowledge — it’s about building relationships, inspiring curiosity, and empowering students to find their voices. I’m grateful to be part of that journey every day.”

Jeannette Milburn is a 6^th grade math teacher at Braddock Middle School. She has 12 years of experience fostering student success in Allegany County. She earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a STEM specialization from Frostburg State University in 2021, following her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, also from FSU, in 2011. She has primarily taught elementary students, but for the past three years has taught 6^th grade math at Braddock Middle School. Beyond teaching, Mrs. Milburn serves on the Braddock Leadership Team, leads the sixth grade team, and mentors fellow educators, in an effort to create a supportive learning environment for both her students and her colleagues.

“Congrats to Mrs. Jeannette Milburn,” says Teacher of the Year Coordinator, Jenny Ramsey. “She represents ACPS well as a leader in inclusive math practices. Not only does she have a positive impact on the students of Braddock Middle but the system as she leads PD for our secondary teachers.”

Four other Allegany County Teacher of the Year finalists were recognized during the virtual celebration. These educators include: Brenda Bauer, Cresaptown Elementary School; Kathryn Everly, Beall Elementary School; Bryan Hansel, Allegany High School; and Kelly Miller, Flintstone Elementary School.

Special presentations from Allegany County Public Schools included Mr. Jeff Blank, Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Crystal Bender, President of the Board of Education, and Mr. David Buskirk, last year’s Teacher of the Year. Representatives from the Allegany County Education Association, Allegany College of Maryland, and the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce also provided video presentations to this year’s winner.

The sponsors of the 37^th Annual Teacher of the Year celebration included Allegany College of Maryland, Allegany County Board of Education, Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, Allegany County Board of Commissioners, Allegany County Education Association, ACT 1^st Federal Credit Union, Frostburg State University, Ryan and Catie Brenneman, G&G Studios, Chick-fil-A LaVale, the Sandhir Foundation, and Queen City Creamery. Special thanks to Oscar’s Restaurant and the Career Center Printing Department for their support as well.

Each year a selection committee is formed to choose the winner of this prestigious award. This year’s selection committee was comprised of Jennifer Howell, Allegany County Government; Stacey Bradley, Allegany County Public Schools; Jen Porter, Main Street Books Owner; Autumn Becker, Allegany County Chamber of Commerce; and Kate Tummino, Allegany College of Maryland.

Jeannette Milburn will now join other local Teachers of the Year as a candidate for the Maryland Teacher of the Year.  These individuals will be honored at a meeting of the State Board of Education, and five state semifinalists will be invited to a reception in the fall for the announcement of the Maryland Teacher of the Year.