MoCo Names Teachers of the Year

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Montgomery County Schools has named the annual Teacher of the Year award recipients, as they recognized standout educators for their excellence inside of the classroom.

Each year, each school selects one teacher to be named the Teacher of the Year. This selection is made by the teachers within the school, as they all vote on who they believe should receive the award. Once all three schools have named their Teachers of the Year, a panel of judges from outside the school system evaluate the teachers to determine the Montgomery County School System Teacher of the Year.

Amber Reid was named the Montgomery County School System and Montgomery County Middle School Teacher of the Year, Kei’l Baker was named the Montgomery County Elementary School Teacher continued from page

of the Year, and Madison Lankford was named the Montgomery County High School Teacher of the Year.

Amber Reid

Montgomery County Middle School Special Education Teacher Amber Reid has been teaching for 30 years, and has spent 7 of those years investing in students at Montgomery County Middle School.

“It’s very humbling. I am very appreciative that the people around me believe I deserve such an honor,” Reid emphasized. “The growth and success of my students inspire me to continue teaching. I do my best to create a positive and challenging environment that helps them reach their full potential. I like to think that the relationships I build with my students are both meaningful and encouraging. The smiles, the growth, and the connections I share with them are what truly inspire me to keep teaching every day.”

When asked who she would like to thank, Reid spoke about her gratitude to the people around her. “First, I want to thank my students. You work so hard each and every day, always striving to be the best you can be — and I love that. Teaching you has made me a better person, and I’m so grateful for all I’ve learned from you,” she remarked. “I also want to thank my coworkers who share my passion for providing the best possible education to our DEL students. Your dedication and teamwork inspire me every day.”

“And finally, I want to thank all my ‘bosses,’” she added. “Each of you has brought something unique to the table and made a real difference in my life. Over the past seven years, you’ve believed in me, supported me, and poured into my growth — and I’m deeply thankful for that.”

Kei’l Baker

Montgomery County Elementary School 3rd Grade Math Teacher Kei’l Baker has worked 7 years at the school – 2 years as a paraprofessional and 5 years in her own classroom.

“It’s an honor and a blessing to be named Teacher of the Year. This was a total shock to me but I’m honored to know my peers think so highly of me,” Baker commented.

She emphasized her gratitude for the award. “I must thank God for allowing me to use my gifts to educate our future leaders. Also for my family and administration for believing in me and continuing to push me to better myself.

When asked what inspires her to continue teaching, Baker said that witnessing the success stories of her students and building lasting relationships with them and fellow staff members keep her going.

Madison Lankford

Montgomery County High School 9th Grade Government and 10th Grade World History Teacher Madison Lankford has taught at the school since beginning her career in 2022. “I feel very honored to have been chosen for the high school. I am so thankful for the opportunity and it means so much that my fellow teachers thought of me,” she said. “My students inspire me to continue teaching. My goal as an educator is to help each student in my class to obtain the knowledge necessary for them to become successful inside and outside of school. I continue to teach because I know that social studies is a vital subject that helps prepare our students for the world outside of the classroom. I love to watch them learn and succeed, and it is a blessing that I get to be part of that every day!”

She emphasized her gratitude to her mentor teacher, Montgomery County High School Teacher Melissa Barrow. “I would like to thank my mentor teacher, Mrs. Barrow. If it were not for her, I wouldn’t be who I am today as an educator. She has been there for me since the very first day that I visited the school for my job interview. I can always count on her to give me the best advice and to be there for me when things may be difficult. I don’t know what I would do without her guidance,” she remarked.

Celebration

Reid, Baker, and Lankford were celebrated during the annual Teacher and Support Person of the Year Breakfast, where district administrators, principals, and other staff thanked them for all that they do for the schools.

MCES TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Third Grade Teacher Kei’l Baker was named the Montgomery County Elementary School Teacher of the Year. L to R: Kei’l Baker, Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Ronda Hightower.

MCHS TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Government and World History Teacher Madison Lankford was named the Montgomery County High School Teacher of the Year. L to R: Madison Lankford, Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Ronda Hightower.