Pasadena has plenty to celebrate as Mandi Quinn, an English Language Arts teacher at Chesapeake Bay Middle School, has been named one of seven finalists for the 2026 Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) Teacher of the Year award.
Quinn was surprised with the news at her school as part of a countywide announcement recognizing seven exceptional educators representing all grade levels and subject areas across the district. Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, members of the Board of Education, and representatives from the Education Foundation of AACPS visited schools to personally deliver the exciting news to each finalist.
The seven finalists for the 2026 award are:
- Joe Bigsby, STEM, Magothy River Middle School
- Samantha Emge, Library Media, Marley Glen School
- Nik M. Jones, Second Grade, Belvedere Elementary School
- Jessica Moran, Triple E, West Annapolis Elementary School
- Mandi Quinn, English Language Arts, Chesapeake Bay Middle School
- Amy Sheasley, Special Education, Piney Orchard Elementary School
- Meghan Welsh, English, Broadneck High School
Quinn’s recognition shines a spotlight not only on her impact in the classroom, but also on the strength of Pasadena-area educators across AACPS.
In addition to Quinn’s finalist honor, several Pasadena-area teachers were nominated and will be recognized at this year’s awards celebration. Those educators include:
- Tabatha Brooks, Chesapeake High School
- Jessica Coyne, Northeast High School
- Matthew D’Agostino, Riviera Beach Elementary School
- Jamie Erickson*, Lake Shore Elementary School
- Jamie Hudgins, Jacobsville Elementary School
- Shawn Hurman, High Point Elementary School
- Veronica Rutkauskas*, Pasadena Elementary School
- Krystle Smith, Northeast Middle School
(*Indicates semifinalist.)
All nominees and finalists will be honored at the 40th Annual Excellence in Education Awards on Friday, April 24, 2026. The event will include the announcement of the 2026 AACPS Teacher of the Year, as well as a celebration of the 2026 Principal of the Year.
The selected AACPS Teacher of the Year will go on to represent the district in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program. In recent years, AACPS educators have earned statewide recognition, including three Maryland Teacher of the Year winners in the last nine years.
For Pasadena families, Quinn’s recognition is a proud moment – and a powerful reminder of the dedication, talent, and heart found in classrooms throughout our community.
