2024 Teacher of the Year Finalists

The 2024 Teacher of the Year finalists, collectively known as the Visionary Voices, began working together during the 2024-2025 school year with a goal of shining a light on the many voices that contribute to the success of Harford County Public Schools (HCPS). From their experience in the classroom, they know first-hand the importance of a wide range of educational experiences and how beneficial it can be to see things from different perspectives. Through advocacy, inspiration, and leadership the Visionary Voices are shaping a fundamental aspect of the continued growth of HCPS' success. A summary of their efforts are outlined below.

As a part of their effort to elevate the voices of everyone within HCPS, the Visionary Voices worked collectively to interview students and staff members to ask one simple question - "What are you grateful for?" As we move into the busy holiday season, following an exciting start to the school year, it's important to reconnect with our 'why' and the things that are important to us. The Visionary Voices hope these voices inspire others and help create a sense of community and connection amongst students and staff alike. Check out the Thanksgiving message from the Visionary Voices below:

As we begin our Thanksgiving holiday break, the 2024 Teacher of the Year Finalists, collectively known as the Visionary Voices, would like to highlight the many wonderful voices in the HCPS family.

We often hear the phrase “it takes a village,” and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to the field of education. So many people leave lasting impressions on our students, and our students often leave lasting impressions on us. There are many things to be grateful for throughout the year, from new beginnings, friendships, challenges, successes, and so much more. We are grateful for everyone in our HCPS family, because we know that you have an impact on others each and every day. We’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

With kindness and grateful hearts,

The Visionary Voices

‘Tis the season for love, and the Visionary Voices are thrilled to share it! Each week, during the month of February, we’re excited to showcase what HCPS students and staff love most about their school — celebrating the moments, people, and experiences that make our community so special.

The Visionary Voices are lucky to have one another because of their common goal to help students succeed. Each week, during the month of March, we’re excited to showcase how “lucky” students are to have the many supportive people that make up the HCPS family. Their mentorship, encouragement, and commitment in and beyond the classroom, they inspire our students each and every day. We invite you to join us in celebrating everything that makes our community so special.

The Visionary Voices are proud to showcase “Egg”cellent leaders from across our county! As John C. Maxwell wisely said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Let’s hear from some of our inspiring voices in leadership as they share how they guide and support their staff, empower students to succeed, and foster meaningful connections within their communities.

This May, the Visionary Voices are proud to shine light on the wonderful teachers of HCPS! Teachers inspire students each and every day to be the best that they can be and provide environments for the next generation to bloom and grow. We encourage you to join them in honoring the teachers in your life for the many wonderful ways they spread joy, compassion, creativity, and imagination to help their students blossom.

In honor of Substitute Educators Day on Friday, November 21, 2025, the Visionary Voices are proud to shine light on the extraordinary substitute teachers of HCPS! Substitute teachers are welcomed into our buildings each day, ready to step in and support student learning in the absence of their daily teachers. Substitute teachers foster relationships with our students that they will remember for many years to come. Our substitutes often see students grow from year to year and become pillars of the school environment. We encourage you to join us in honoring the wonderful substitute teachers in your life for the many ways they bring joy, support, compassion, and inspiration to our classrooms and our students.

With the many inclement weather events we’ve experienced this school year, our custodial staff members have gone above and beyond to maintain our buildings for students and staff. The Visionary Voices and Marigold Mosaics are proud to celebrate our wonderful custodial teams for their tireless efforts to ensure building safety during the winter and throughout the year! Custodial team members report to work on snow days, during extended closures, and more to prepare buildings for students and other staff to return. With their support, we are all better prepared to teach, learn, and grow. We encourage you to join us in honoring your buildings custodial team for the many ways they provide support, ensure safety, and maintain cleanliness in our classrooms and workspaces. Thank you to all our extraordinary custodians for everything you do!

Verna Hiser, Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher

Jennifer Knapp, First Grade Teacher

Erica Richardson, Social Studies Teacher

Jennifer Selke, Teacher Specialist- Reading

Jill Truszkowski, Foreign Language Teacher- Spanish