This school week is ending in a memorable way for 2026-2027 Wicomico Teacher of the Year Dr. Chelsea Taylor, who will travel from James M. Bennett High to the Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala as one of seven finalists whose name could be called out at the end of the night as the winner.
Wicomico County Public Schools and the Wicomico County Board of Education are proud of this outstanding representative of Wicomico teachers. Here’s to an unforgettable night at the Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala for Dr. Taylor!
Dr. Taylor, an English Language Arts teacher and literacy professional development coach at JMB, was named Wicomico Teacher of the Year in April, and learned in September that she was one of seven finalists chosen from among the two dozen local teachers of the year. As a finalist, she presented to and was interviewed by a panel of judges at Maryland State Department of Education headquarters in Baltimore.
We could tell you even more about her excellence and accomplishments as a teacher, but we’d rather let her students and colleagues do that.
“Dr. Taylor is never afraid to challenge us. It is always those most challenging assignments, though, that I end up being the most proud of. Dr. Taylor is an incredible, patient and perceptive teacher and mentor who is more than deserving of recognition for her excellent teaching!”
-Lilly East, JMB student
“Dr. Taylor is, without question, a phenomenal educator whose unwavering dedication to students, exceptional communication skills, and commitment to continuous growth distinguish her as a truly deserving candidate for Maryland Teacher of the Year. At the center of Dr. Taylor’s work is a deep and authentic commitment to her students. In her English 10 AP Seminar class, she cultivates an environment where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. I have personally witnessed the strong, meaningful relationships she builds with her students. These relationships are grounded in trust, respect, and genuine care. Her students not only admire her, they drive because of her.”
-Lisa King, Supervisor of Secondary English Language Arts
“In her class I have accomplished and achieved materials I would have never guessed I would execute … She has broken complex elements down to where you could approach her not understanding a topic and leave with understanding that you could even teach someone else on the same topic.”
-Kimaya Thibeau, JMB student
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching alongside Chelsea for several years. She pours her whole heart into everything she touches—whether leading a classroom, mentoring colleagues, or facilitating professional development. If I had to describe Chelsea in a single word, it would be joyful; her enthusiasm is as genuine as it is infectious. Last fall, she demonstrated a strategy for integrating drama into poetry instruction that completely transformed a professional development day. Within minutes, every secondary English teacher in the county was roaming the SMS cafeteria—whispering, laughing, chanting, and weeping lines from Lucille Clifton’s poem, "at the cemetery, walnut grove plantation, south carolina, 1989." The room vibrated with energy as teachers brought the text to life, culminating in a harmonious choral reading with Chelsea conducting us. She shares her deep expertise with humility, elevating everyone around her. Chelsea represents the very best of Wicomico County and Maryland.”
-Katherine West, Literacy Coach at Salisbury Middle
“Dr. Taylor is a distinguished educator. She is not only an excellent leader but she is also mindful of my well-being. She is one of the most encouraging and caring teachers at James M. Bennett High School. I feel safe and confident to talk and express myself in her classroom because of her welcoming aura.”
-Darfeny Augustin, JMB student
“What truly sets Dr. Taylor apart are her character traits. She is consistently positive, approachable, and humble. These qualities make her someone that both students and staff naturally gravitate toward. She builds strong, authentic relationships that create a safe and supportive learning environment. Because of this, students are more engaged, and teachers feel valued and inspired. Her presence elevate the culture of our school.”
-Dr. Christel Savage, JMB Principal 2018-June 2026
“In the time that I have known Chelsea, I have watched her develop from a stellar first-year teacher to an instructional leader with her doctorate degree. Chelsea is a dynamic yet unassuming leader with a gift for motivating students and teachers alike, which is a testament to her innate creativity and delightful personality. She weathers any professional turbulence with calm and grace and inspires others to do the same. Her positivity and ambition are a winning combination that has led to her great success in and out of the classroom. We are fortunate indeed that Chelsea came to Wicomico County to start her career and has chosen to stay here to share her talents!”
-Nancy Turner, retired teacher who was a longtime English teacher colleague
“Chelsea, what sets you apart from other educators is your passion for your content. It is evident to your students and your colleagues that you love learning and you love sharing that learning. If flows so naturally from you … To others I would say that Dr. Chelsea Taylor is a role model, pure and simple, of what an educator should be. I cannot think of a finer representative for our state.”
-Teresa McCain, retired teacher and longtime English colleague
“Dr. Chelsea Taylor is an exceptional teacher who gives her heart to her school and the people within that building. She is passionate about education and truly cares about making a difference in the world. A lifelong learner herself, Dr. Taylor is constantly seeking out new ideas, studying current research, and finding innovative ways to grow as an educator and to help others do the same. She is intelligent, thoughtful, and dedicated, but what truly sets her apart is the genuine care and commitment she brings to her work every single day.”
-Laurie Davies, retired teacher and longtime English colleague
“In every way possible she epitomizes what it means to be a teacher and a leader. Throughout her multi-faceted career, she spans generations of students as an advocate for teaching and learning. She teaches high school students, works as a professional development coach, and serves as an adjunct instructor in our graduate programs. Irrespective of the audience, she is a tireless role model. Her energy is boundless, her enthusiasm contagious and her love of learning inspiring.”
-Ruth Malone, faculty member of the Salisbury University Seidel School of Education and former WCPS Director of Curriculum and Professional Development.
“I think what makes Chelsea such a great teacher is her work ethic, genuine love of teaching and her students, and her demeanor. She cares about all of her students as people and spends time developing positive relationships with her students. She pushes herself to be the best teacher she can be, whether that is planning rigorous lessons, continuing her own education, or running grade-level PLC's (professional learning communities). I have a unique perspective of getting to see all the work she puts in behind the scenes, and it is evident how much she cares about being the best teacher she can be. She is so deserving of all of this and I'm so proud of her.”
-Zach Taylor, husband of Dr. Chelsea Taylor and a math teacher at JMB