Wicomico teacher named finalist for Maryland Teacher of the Year

WICOMICO CO., Md. – Wicomico County’s Teacher of the Year is one of seven finalists for Maryland’s Teacher of the Year award.

Hemalatha Bhaskaran teaches environmental science at James M. Bennett High School. In May, she was named Wicomico County Teacher of the Year but this week she learned she was chosen as a state finalist. A panel of judges selected her based on criteria including teaching philosophy and results. She says she credits this recognition to all her mentors and students who have taught her along the way.

“It’s a recognition that the work that you do for your kids actually matters. It matters a lot especially now. I see this as a way to recognize that not just for me but for every teacher who has been a part of every students’ life,” says Bhaskaran.

On Wednesday, Bhaskaran was presented with her Teacher of the Year plaque, a Golden Apple from the Board of Education and a car from the Hertrich Family of Automobile Dealerships to use throughout her year of representing Wicomico teachers.

Maryland’s Teacher of the Year will be announced on Maryland Public Television on October 8th.