LA PLATA- Kate Kozicki-Miller, a longtime English teacher at La Plata High School in Charles County, received a welcome surprise this week when she was named the 2026 Charles County Public Schools nominee for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year awards program. Administrators informed her of the honor while she was teaching class.
Kozicki-Miller has dedicated her career to creating positive, engaging learning environments where students feel seen, validated and capable. From her early experiences tutoring classmates in elementary school, she developed a passion for helping others that continues to shape her classroom approach today. She teaches grade-level, Advanced Placement and honors English courses, maintaining high expectations while ensuring all students receive supportive, rigorous instruction.
Students describe transformative experiences in her classes. Maximus Meiser, a La Plata High School senior, said, I was excited about learning and improving skills in a subject I once dreaded. Through her infectious positivity, Mrs. Kozicki made it enjoyable to work through assignments in her course load. She never hesitated to challenge us, creating a positive, yet constructive environment.
Kozicki-Miller sets a clear goal for her teaching space. It is my goal to ensure that my classroom is inviting and a stimulating space with lessons that are engaging and rigorous, she said. Her methods help students build confidence and resilience while mastering content, often leading to strong performance on state tests and AP exams.
Her path to Charles County began in Michigan, where she earned a bachelors degree in Sociology from Michigan State University. While shadowing a middle school class during her studies, she discovered her calling for education and pursued an accelerated post-graduate degree to become certified. She moved to Charles County in 2008 and started teaching English/language arts at Theodore G. Davis Middle School. She later taught at Milton M. Somers Middle School before joining La Plata High School in 2010, where she quickly became a respected member of the faculty.
Colleagues highlight her leadership and dedication. I rely on Kates positivity, professionalism and expertise, Brooke Shnipes, La Plata English teacher, said. Kozicki-Miller serves as a National Honor Society selection committee member, ANCHOR veteran teacher mentor and Student Government Association co-sponsor. In her SGA role, she coordinates an annual tradition of partnering with feeder elementary schools to provide holiday gifts to families in need. She partners with the principals and PPWs of our feeder elementary schools to provide Christmas gifts to their student populations in need, Shnipes said. She constantly strives to find ways to grow and improve as an educator and leader. She does so without seeking recognition for her efforts. Beyond her classroom instruction she is a leader that goes above and beyond for the school.
School leaders and parents echo this praise. What truly sets Ms. Kozicki-Miller apart is her ability to connect with students on a personal level, Jaime Bowie, La Plata assistant principal, said. She not only teaches English but instills confidence, resilience and a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls. Kara Higdon, parent of a former student, added, When my son was in Mrs. Kozicki-Millers class, she helped build his confidence in writing and made him feel valued every single day.
La Plata Principal Douglass Dolan emphasized her broader impact. She sees strengths where others might see struggles, and she invests the time to nurture confidence and resilience. Students walk into her classroom not feeling confident about the subject and leave with an understanding of the content. Dolan noted that her influence appears in student gratitude, colleague respect and a sustained culture of excellence and care. It is measured in the gratitude of students who say, She believed in me when I didnt believe in myself.
This nomination fits within the Charles County Public Schools Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes educators who make positive contributions and demonstrate passion for teaching. Each school nominates one teacher, and one overall finalist represents CCPS for The Washington Post program covering the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The Post is expected to announce its Teacher of the Year this month. To read more about the CCPS Teacher of the Year finalists and nominees visit https://bit.ly/4sNVaXG.
Kozicki-Millers recognition highlights the strong teaching talent across Southern Maryland public schools and the value placed on educators who foster inclusive, supportive environments while driving academic success. Her work at La Plata contributes to the regions ongoing efforts to prepare students for future opportunities through dedicated, creative instruction.
Kozicki-Miller will be honored by the Board of Education of Charles County at its June 9 board meeting.
