LA PLATA, Md. – Alison Cheney, a physical education teacher at F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, was named the 2025 Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Teacher of the Year during a recognition ceremony on Feb. 20, 2025, at St. Charles High School. The event honored 39 nominees and six finalists for the CCPS Teacher of the Year and Washington Post Teacher of the Year award programs.
Cheney, a 17-year CCPS veteran, was recognized for her work as an adaptive physical education teacher, fostering an inclusive environment for students with diverse abilities. She was joined by finalists Erin Amore, a second-grade teacher at Dr. James Craik Elementary School; Georgia Green, a special education teacher at Gale-Bailey Elementary School; Aparna Joshi, a social studies teacher at St. Charles High School; Sara Keener, an English teacher at Piccowaxen Middle School; and Megan Swinea, a science teacher at Indian Head Elementary School.
Superintendent Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., praised the nominees, emphasizing their inspirational role. “I find out who our teachers of the year [nominees] are so I can email them and ask, ‘Can I come co-teach?’” Navarro said. “I love being able to spend some time with incredible human beings who know their craft really well. I’m watching you and learning from you.”
Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., chairperson of the Board of Education of Charles County, called the nominees the “best of the best,” noting their selection from thousands of CCPS teachers to represent their schools.
Josh Clark, a Spanish teacher at Henry E. Lackey High School and the 2024 CCPS Teacher of the Year, spoke about representing the school system. “The dedication, the passion, the hard work you pour into students every day does not go unnoticed,” Clark said. “This room is filled with teachers who inspire, uplift and shape the future for their students.”
Cheney began her career at North Point High School before moving to F.B. Gwynn in 2022, where she teaches adaptive physical education. “By encouraging students to take risks, make mistakes and embrace learning, she helps instill confidence that lasts far beyond the school year,” Amy Adams, a behavior specialist at Gwynn, said. Cheney builds rapport with students, celebrating their achievements to boost confidence. “I ensure that every student feels seen and encouraged,” Cheney said.
Her students value her mentorship. “Ms. Cheney is not just our PE teacher,” Gwynn students Connor Carroll, De’Veon Venerable, and former student Khaliyah Terry wrote in a recommendation letter. “She is an inspiring mentor who makes every lesson a fun, educational and empowering experience.” They highlighted her engaging activities, like obstacle courses and teamwork challenges. “Ms. Cheney is a champion of teamwork and sportsmanship,” the students said. “She teaches us to work together, support each other and cheer for our friends.”
“Ms. Cheney’s impact on her students is profound,” Lucreatia Perry, a prekindergarten teacher at Gwynn, said. “Her teaching strategies are innovative and tailored to meet the diverse needs of her students.”
Cheney holds a bachelor’s in education from Slippery Rock University and a master’s in physical education from Canisius College. In 2023, she received the Simon McNeely Award from the Society of Health & Physical Educators for promoting health and fitness. She facilitates Gwynn’s therapy pool program, serves as public relations liaison, and organizes events like Trunk-or-Treat and Lunch with your Special Person. Cheney also coaches for Special Olympics Maryland’s Unified track and field program and advocates for inclusion.
Cheney will represent CCPS in the Maryland State Department of Education’s Maryland Teacher of the Year program. One of the five remaining finalists—Amore, Green, Joshi, Keener, or Swinea—will be selected this spring to represent CCPS in the Washington Post Teacher of the Year program.
Amore, a 19-year educator, teaches second grade at Dr. James Craik. “I believe building strong relationships with students and colleagues is essential for success,” Amore said. “I strive to create an environment where students feel safe, supported and empowered to take risks in their learning.” Allen Hopkins, a social studies resource teacher, said, “I have never worked with a professional so eager to grow and support the growth of others.”
Green, a special education teacher at Gale-Bailey, has nearly 40 years of experience. “She approaches each student with patience, empathy and a positive attitude, viewing obstacles as opportunities to support her students further,” Andrew Houghton, a special education teacher, said.
Joshi, with over 25 years at CCPS, teaches social studies at St. Charles. “Mrs. Joshi is a master at her craft,” Michael Colatruglio, social studies chair, said. “… Mrs. Joshi is truly devoted to building a better community for our students and community.”
Keener, an 18-year educator at Piccowaxen, is the language arts department chair. “Mrs. Keener was a wonderful teacher, and I enjoyed every single day of her class,” Aidan Sullivan, a former student, said. “She was always willing to give me what I needed to be successful.”
Swinea, a science teacher at Indian Head, focuses on holistic education. “Her classroom has the appearance similar to ‘The Magic School Bus,’” parent Deidra Walker said. “The biggest appeal of her teaching style is the way she allows the student to think and develop strategies and solutions to science.”
The Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators’ commitment across CCPS’s elementary, middle, high schools, and centers. Nominees included Steven Baldo, Pamela Gill, David Cusack, and others, with finalists in bold on the nominee list.
