Lake Elkhorn’s Kacy Valentine Named 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year Finalist

September 8th, 2026

Lake Elkhorn Middle School English teacher and Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) 2026 Teacher of the Year Kacy Valentine has been named a finalist for the 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Valentine is one of seven finalists from across the state competing for the honor, which recognizes teachers for their outstanding student achievement, teaching philosophy, academic results, community involvement, and knowledge of educational issues.

Valentine was recognized as one of two HCPSS teachers of the year in April, and celebrated at a Board of Education reception and meeting shortly thereafter. An HCPSS alum of Atholton Elementary School, Clarksville Middle School and Hammond High School, Kacy Valentine has deep and longstanding ties to the HCPSS community. She began her professional career in the district in 2004 as an English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Lake Elkhorn Middle School (LEMS), a position she continues to hold today. She currently also serves as the seventh grade ELA Instructional Team Lead.

The Maryland teacher of the year will be announced at a Maryland State Department of Education gala reception the evening of Friday, October 9.