Two Lower Shore educators are Maryland Teacher of Year finalists. Get to know them here.

The Maryland State Board of Education and Maryland State Department of Education have announced the names of the seven finalists who will compete to be named the 2023-2024 Maryland Teacher of the Year, and two Lower Shore teachers are in the running.

“I congratulate these seven educators on their nominations and commend them on their extraordinary impact on the lives of our children — educating, encouraging, and inspiring Maryland’s future leaders,” said State Board President Clarence Crawford. “Maryland’s educators demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the children of our state every day and are a true inspiration to their colleagues and community. These seven educators embody that dedication.”

Among the seven finalists are two top educators from the Lower Shore, Wicomico County Teacher of the Year Tara Martens, a math intervention teacher at West Salisbury Elementary School for grades 1 and 2; and Jaimie Ridgely, a literacy enrichment & technology education teacher at Stephen Decatur Middle School for grades 7 and 8.

The other finalists are Mary Kay Connerton, Anne Arundel County; Brianne Sounder, Cecil County; Nicole Rhoades, Frederick County; Andrea Schulte, Queen Anne’s County; and Raymond Weber, Washington County.The 2023-2024 Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced during a gala reception and dinner at Martin’s West in Baltimore on Oct. 13. The winner will receive cash awards, national traveling opportunities and participate in several national meetings and conferences.

The selected Maryland Teacher of the Year will compete for the esteemed National Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced next April.

Get to know the Lower Shore's finalists, and read on for a top honor bestowed to another Worcester County school system employee.

Tara Martens, Wicomico County

Tara Martens, an 11-year teacher in Wicomico County, holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Salisbury University and a master’s in special education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

She is the math intervention reacher at West Salisbury Elementary, where she re-writes contemporary songs connecting music with math for her students. She co-chairs both the Instructional Leadership Team and the Family Engagement Committee. She also initiated a Grades 1 and 2 Title I Summer Tutoring Program, worked for Home and Hospital, and tutored students experiencing homelessness under a district initiative.

“We are delighted to have Tara Martens of West Salisbury Elementary represent all of Wicomico’s 1,400 teachers as the 2023-2024 Wicomico Teacher of the Year. She will represent Wicomico County Public Schools and its teachers very well in the Maryland Teacher of the Year Recognition Program,” Superintendent of Schools Micah Stauffer said.

MORE: Meet Wicomico County's 2023 Teacher of the Year, West Salisbury Elementary's Tara Martens

Jaimie Ridgely, Worcester County

Jaimie Ridgely is a National Board Certified teacher. She is a literacy enthusiast who prioritizes identity exploration and joy in her Literacy Enrichment and Technology Education classes at Stephen Decatur Middle School.

Community, voice, choice, and reflection are cornerstones of her student-centered classroom, where students share their creative voices within and beyond the classroom walls.

Ridgely earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Salisbury University. She is a 21-year veteran teacher who also serves as an adjunct professor, Worcester LEAD teacher, peer mentor, professional development facilitator, and serves as an afterschool sponsor for the Book Club, tutoring and Dungeons and Dragons.

"I am so proud of both Jaimie and all of the incredible teachers we have honored this evening,” said Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor. “Jaimie will be a fantastic representative not only for her school, but our entire school system as she progresses to the state-level program. Her passionate advocacy for building student literacy is to be commended.”

MORE: Meet Worcester County's Teacher of the Year for 2023, a Decatur Middle educator

A top honor for Ocean City Elementary's custodian

The Maryland State Education Association, the union representing 75,000 educators across the state, has announced Ivory Smith, custodian at Ocean City Elementary School, is its 2023 Education Support Professional of the Year. Smith was honored at the school on Monday and will be again Sept. 19 at the Worcester County Board of Education meeting.

The award recognizes the contributions of education support professionals to their schools, communities, and their profession. The award is presented to a member of MSEA who demonstrates outstanding accomplishments and reflects the contributions of ESPs to public education and their community.

“Ivory, like so many education support professionals, makes an invaluable impact on his whole school and community,” said MSEA President Cheryl Bost. “Education support professionals are often unnoticed and unsung heroes, providing technology and building maintenance, classroom support, transportation, food services, healthcare, security, and more. Schools can’t function without ESPs, and Ivory represents their finest qualities. We’re thrilled to celebrate him and the work of all ESPs with this well-deserved award.”

In addition to his role in his school, Smith is president of the Worcester County Education Support Personnel Association. He is a member of the MSEA and NEA Black Caucus, and the National Council of Education Support Professionals and serves on the MSEA and National Education Association boards.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS: Find out which three Wicomico schools are up for big improvements with bond sale

In the community, he is a past president of the local NAACP, secretary of the Pittsville Economic Development Committee and has coached youth basketball for 20 years. He was the 2018 Maryland State Conference NAACP Dream Team Honoree, received a key to the city from Ocean City and wasrecognized by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. as the 2019 Citizen of the Year.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: These two Lower Shore educators are Maryland Teacher of Year finalists