Teacher of the Year

Every year, The Chamber partners with Washington County Public Schools to celebrate the dedication of our Washington County Educators!

Our 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year event took place on April 15th, 2026.

Congratulations to Mrs. Robin Papa of Clear Spring High School for being named the 2026-2027 winner! 

Papa is a graduate of Clear Spring High School and has taught there for her entire 28-year career in education. She also serves as the head coach for the Blazer's track team. Papa was presented with $6,000 from WCPS to support her classroom, a new Honda CR-V to drive around for the year thanks to Hagerstown Honda/KIA, and free Chick-fil-A for a year!

The four other finalists for this year's Washington County Teacher of the Year title were presented with a check for $1,000 from WCPS to support their classrooms and also a gift basket from Chick-fil-A of Hagerstown.

The finalists included:

KAELII BOYER

1st Grade Teacher at Clear Spring Elementary School

ASHLEY DOYLE

Academy of Health Professions Teacher at Boyd J. Michael, III Technical High School

CAITLIN KELLER

Connections Teacher at Boonsboro High School

ANGIE STOUFFER
Science Teacher at Smithsburg High School

Papa will now join a cohort of teachers of the year from 23 other school districts in the state who will participate in professional learning experiences. They will all be considered for the title of Maryland Teacher of the Year, which is anticipated to be announced in the fall.