Hood Alumna ALonna Soward ’19, M.S.’24, Named 2025 FCPS Teacher of the Year

Hood alumna ALonna Soward ’19, M.S.’24, has been named the 2025 Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Teacher of the Year. Soward, who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary/special education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Hood, currently serves as a fourth grade teacher at Monocacy Elementary, where she completed her teaching internship as a Hood student. Announcing the award, FCPS leadership highlighted Soward’s mentorship to new teachers, her involvement with various school committees and her innovative lesson plans.

“As someone who grew up in Frederick County and is now teaching here, this recognition is incredibly personal,” said Soward. “I’m honored to represent FCPS and to uplift the amazing work happening in our schools every day. In this role, I want to advocate for classrooms where every student feels seen, supported and inspired. I also hope to support fellow educators as we work toward creating spaces where all students can thrive.”

A total of 16 Hood College undergraduate and graduate alumni were nominated for the FCPS 2025 Teacher of the Year Award. Alongside Soward, another Hood alumna, Barbara Matlock, M.A.’03, was selected as a finalist. Matlock has taught at Brunswick Elementary for 37 years.

“Hood’s education programs are firmly grounded in research and evidence-based practices that promote positive outcomes for all learners. Our faculty stay abreast of current research in how students learn and the best instructional and assessment practices to meet the needs of all learners,” said Kristine M. Calo, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Education at Hood College. “Our programs provide rich, robust opportunities to learn, develop and apply a wide range of skills. We’re eager to support our teachers and teacher candidates no matter where they are in their educational journey.”

The Teacher of the Year will serve as Frederick County’s representative in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year Program. All nominees will receive special recognition by FCPS Superintendent Cheryl L. Dyson, DOL’21, who is also a Hood alumna, and the Frederick County Board of Education.

The Teacher of the Year receives a variety of prizes from the State and FCPS, including professional development opportunities throughout the year, recognition at a state-hosted banquet and other prizes. The Teacher of the Year’s home school also receives special recognition throughout the year.

The full list of Hood alumni Teacher of the Year nominees is as follows:

• Meagan Cooley, M.S.’23, New Market Elementary

• Brooke Dawson, M.S.’23, Orchard Grove Elementary

• Suzanna Diaz ’06, M.S.’15, Frederick County Virtual School

• Colleen Dunn, M.S.’03, Middletown Primary

• Tiffiny Ford, M.A.’20, Gov. Thomas Johnson High

• Kathryn Hale ’04, M.S.’13, Middletown High

• Melissa Lasko ’14, M.S.’21, Urbana Elementary

• Barbara Matlock, M.A.’93, Brunswick Elementary

• Leanna Meadows, M.A.’96, Deer Crossing Elementary

• Betsy Moore, M.S.’10, New Market Middle

• Lauren Girio Pearce, M.S.’13, Centerville Elementary

• Christina Scudiero ’04, Catoctin High

• ALonna Soward ’19, M.S.’24, Monocacy Elementary

• Marnie Tootill-Mortenson, M.S.’06, Blue Heron Elementary

• Lori Warren-Ream ’17, M.S.’22, C’23, Middle School Remote Virtual Program

• Amber Wheeler ’13, Waverly Elementary

Hood offers two undergraduate education programs as well as secondary education certification in the fields of art education, biology, chemistry, English, French, history, mathematics and Spanish. At the graduate level, Hood offers five education master’s programs and four post-baccalaureate certificate programs.

These programs are some of the Hood’s most popular, while the College maintains close ties with FCPS. Employees of FCPS are eligible for tuition discounts through the NeighborHOOD Partners Program, and undergraduate teacher candidates frequently complete their required teaching internships at schools throughout Frederick County.

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