Somerset Co. Public Schools Issue Statements after Teacher of the Year Mix-up

SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. – Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) is pausing all celebrations and formal recognitions after a mix-up regarding the county’s Teacher of the Year (TOY) nomination has drawn contention.

The 2026-2027 finalists for Somerset County’s TOY were Mrs. Corey Bivens of Carter G. Woodson Elementary School, and Ms. Myresha Bevins of Washington Academy and High School. The county’s Teachers of the Year are selected by the school district, independent of the SCPS’s Board of Education. The nominated teachers, with similarly spell surnames, were both honored as educators that exemplify the highest standards of instructional excellence, leadership, and dedication to student success. However, SCPS said their corresponding awards luncheon, held on Thursday, Mar. 26, didn’t quite go off without a hitch.

“The Superintendent and Cabinet want to take a moment to address an issue with transparency and clarity. Ms. Myresha Bevins was incorrectly recognized as Somerset County Public Schools Teacher of the Year,” SCPS announced in a release on Monday. “Out of an abundance of concern, immediately following the Gala, we reached out to both candidates to review and address their concerns. The following morning, we met with both honorees to discuss a path forward that would reflect fairness, respect, and the integrity of the Teacher of the Year program.”

SCPS says that, to honor Bivens and Bevins accomplishments equitably, and in recognition of their clerical error, both teachers will receive the same awards and county-level accolades in recognition of their contributions to their students and school communities. Even so, the school district says they will follow the established TOY process, and have determined that Mrs. Corey Bivens will officially represent SCPS as the winner of the 2026–2027 TOY.

The announcement caused a large stir on social media, prompting criticism and questions alike. In response, SCPS released an additional statement on Thursday.

“We remain deeply disappointed that these outstanding educators were placed in such a position,” the district stated. “It is equally concerning that members of the SCPS Cabinet and teacher mentors have been subjected to criticism and, in some instances, inappropriate or threatening behavior. While we respect the community’s interest in this matter, any form of harassment—whether in person or online—is unacceptable. Threats or abusive conduct will be taken seriously and, when appropriate, referred to local law enforcement.”

SCPS says they have initiated a comprehensive review of the TOY process. The review will be shared with the Board of Education, who is independent of the TOY process, and will include the formation of a committee tasked with strengthening procedures. An independent audit of the scoring process will also be conducted to ensure accuracy, fairness, and integrity.

“The goal is to ensure enhanced safeguards, including clear checks and balances, improved verification processes, and reinforced confidentiality measures moving forward,” the district said. “Somerset County Public Schools remains committed to resolving this matter in good faith. We respectfully ask all members of the community to join us in moving forward constructively.”