HUNT VALLEY — Educators from throughout the state joined in celebrating Maryland’s top teachers last week, among them Kaitlyn Wright of Kent County Middle School.
Wright was joined Friday, Oct. 4 by administrators and teachers from her building and the Kent County Public Schools central office, including Superintendent Mary McComas, at the annual Maryland Teacher of the Year banquet in Hunt Valley.
Wright is the 2023-24 Kent County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and was selected as one of seven finalists for Maryland Teacher of the Year, an honor that ultimately went to Kat Locke-Jones of Baltimore City Public Schools.
“There is a reason people say teachers make every other profession possible. It is absolutely true. The work you do each day allows students to pursue their dreams, whether it’s in college, in their careers and in their lives,” state Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright said at the banquet.
Kaitlyn Wright is an English language arts teacher at Kent County Middle School. She has rejuvenated the theater program, leading productions of “Alice @ Wonderland” and “The Wizard of Oz,” serves on leadership teams and engages in curriculum development.
In addition to McComas, those cheering on Kaitlyn Wright at the state banquet were her fiancé and parents; Kent County Middle School Principal Mark Buckel and Assistant Principal Kelley Melvin; Kent County Public Schools Director of Teaching and Learning Gina Jachimowicz; Dan Hushion, director of human resources for Kent County Public Schools who leads the school system’s annual Teacher of the Year awards program; and Kent County Board of Education President Joe Goetz, Vice President Francoise Sullivan and member Aretha Dorsey.
“Kaitlyn Wright is so deserving of this recognition because it is absolutely clear that she centers her focus on students’ humanity, and in doing so, she unleashes their boundless potential,” McComas, in a news release, said of Wright being honored as a Maryland Teacher of the Year finalist.
As part of the Maryland Teacher of the Year selection process, Wright has worked with the other 23 school system Teachers of the Year, attending special events, meetings and conferences.
“Learning is ongoing. It’s dynamic. It’s personal, yet shared,” Wright said in a pre-recorded interview shown at the Oct. 4 reception. “But students will only be willing to share the experience with you when they perceive authenticity. I don’t try to be anything but myself.”
Here’s what others in the Kent County Public Schools community said about Kaitlyn Wright.
Mark Buckel: “Kaitlyn exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator. Her dedication, passion and impact on her students and colleagues is truly inspirational. We are so fortunate to have her as part of our Kent County Middle School family.”
Joe Goetz: “Her dedication, passion and ability to inspire our students in English language arts and the theater program is truly remarkable. Ms. Wright has created an environment where learning is not just an obligation, but a joy, and for that we are all grateful.”
Dan Hushion: “I remember first meeting her during the hiring process. I was inspired by her passion for teaching and her love for children. Over the last few years, we have seen that passion and love on display each and every day, whether it’s during class, delivering engaging lessons, working with a student during her planning time, lunch period or even after school, or in other professional capacities where she truly aims to better herself and our district in every capacity that she can.”