Charles County, Md., April 23, 2025 — Georgia Green, a dedicated special education teacher at Gale-Bailey Elementary School, has been named the 2025 Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) nominee for The Washington Post’s Teacher of the Year Award. Recognized for her innovative teaching methods and commitment to student success, Green stands out as a beacon of inspiration in the classroom.
Green’s journey into special education was deeply personal, sparked by her twin brothers, who are intellectually disabled. As one of five children born to educators, she followed in her family’s footsteps, bringing nearly 40 years of teaching experience from Jamaica, Washington, D.C., and now Charles County, where she joined CCPS in 2018. Her passion for coteaching, differentiation, and holistic education has transformed the lives of her students.
“She approaches each student with patience, empathy and a positive attitude, viewing obstacles as opportunities to support her students further,” said Andrew Houghton, a fellow special education teacher at Gale-Bailey.
Principal Tangie Scales, Ed.D., praised Green as a “warm demander,” a teacher who sets high expectations while providing tailored support. “She has high expectations and knows how to give each of her caseload students the equity and individualized support they need to succeed,” Scales said. Green’s structured classroom environment fosters growth, ensuring every student can thrive.
One memorable lesson involved the historical fiction novel Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. Initially met with reluctance, Green and her co-teachers engaged students by reading aloud and incorporating the audiobook. “Students who struggled with independent reading liked the audio. Students who spoke Spanish as their first language helped with the pronunciation and explanation of Spanish vocabulary in the text; they proudly explained customs mentioned,” Green said. She even shared her Jamaican passport to explain concepts like immigration, drawing parallels to the novel’s themes. “Every individual is important,” Green emphasized. “Like Esperanza, I must get my students to persevere when faced with challenges.”
Parents and students alike have felt Green’s impact. “Mrs. Green has worked closely with my child to develop strategies that have not only improved her academic performance but have also boosted her confidence and fostered a love for learning,” said Janelle Love, a parent of a Gale-Bailey student. Third-grader James Mickey called Green “awesome,” adding, “Mrs. Green is helpful because she helps me complete my work. She tells me that I am a smart kid.”
Beyond the classroom, Green mentors two international students and an international teacher, sharing her expertise as a member of the Jamaican Association of Maryland. She sponsors the Green Club at Gale-Bailey and participates in the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) program, further enriching the school community. Green holds degrees from Mico Teachers College and the University of the West Indies, Mona, in Jamaica, and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education.
The Washington Post’s Teacher of the Year Award, established to honor excellence in education, recognizes teachers who inspire creativity and quality instruction. CCPS supports this mission through its own Teacher of the Year program, with each school nominating an outstanding educator. This year, Alison Cheney, an adaptive physical education teacher at F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, was named the 2025 CCPS Teacher of the Year.
Other finalists included Erin Amore, a second-grade teacher at Dr. James Craik Elementary School; Aparna Joshi, a social studies teacher at St. Charles High School; Sara Keener, a language arts teacher at Piccowaxen Middle School; and Megan Swinea, a science teacher at Indian Head Elementary School.
Green’s nomination highlights her unwavering dedication to her students and the broader educational community. Her ability to connect with students, adapt lessons, and foster a love for learning exemplifies the qualities celebrated by both CCPS and The Washington Post.
