Meet Stacey Phillips, Ocean City Elementary School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 16.
Stacey Phillips earned a bachelor's degree in Art from Salisbury University. She is in her thirtieth year of teaching, having taught in Dorchester, Wicomico and Worcester counties in both public and private school settings. For the last five years she has taught Art at Ocean City and Showell Elementary schools. Phillips believes that giving students a rich and varied experience in the Arts encourages creativity, confidence, and resilience. She strives to highlight connections between the Arts, other content areas and the community while challenging students to “Observe, Imagine and Create!” Phillips takes part in after school academies and Summer Arts Week along with creating sets and costumes for school performances and parades.
Wishing all students, families, and staff at Worcester County Public Schools a peaceful and joyful Passover! May this time be filled with love, reflection, and community. 🕊️ #HappyPassover #WeAreWorcester
Celebrate National Assistant Principals Week with us as we recognize the incredible dedication of our APs! A heartfelt thank you to Leah James at Snow Hill Elementary School for her unwavering support of our students and staff. Your hard work and commitment make a difference every day! #APweek25
Thank you to Pocomoke Middle and Snow Hill Middle for hosting Cecil County's Supervisor of Secondary Mathematics, Dr. Keisha Brinkley, and I today! We loved seeing WCPS mathematicians engaged in Menu Math. Shout out to the teachers for their deliberate planning, differentiation, and targeted small group instruction, and to the students for their perseverance, math discourse, and hard work!
Meet Ashley Mertz, Pocomoke Middle School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 16.
Ashley Mertz holds a B.A in History/Secondary Education and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Salisbury University. Now in her fourteenth year of teaching, she serves as a seventh grade Special Education teacher, after starting her career as a history teacher. Ashley champions inclusivity, positive relationships, and empathy to foster strong connections and ensure all students have equal access to opportunities and the support needed for success. She contributes to her school community as a School Improvement Team member, mentor to new teachers, Special Education Chair, and administrative intern in the Grow Your Own program.
Celebrate National Assistant Principals Week with us as we recognize the incredible dedication of our APs! A heartfelt thank you to Matt Hoffman at Pocomoke Elementary School for his unwavering support of our students and staff. Your hard work and commitment make a difference every day! #APweek25
Meet Shelby Matassa, Snow Hill Elementary School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 16.
Shelby Matassa earned dual B.S. degrees in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University and earned a M.E.D. in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University. Matassa has taught kindergarten in Worcester County for the last seven years. Currently in her third year at Snow Hill Elementary School, she utilizes Conscious Discipline practices to empower and challenge children to rise to their highest potential. Matassa shares her passion for teaching by serving on several committees and as a mentor to university interns. She believes all children deserve a place to learn and grow that embraces the magic of early childhood.
Celebrate National Assistant Principals Week with us as we recognize the incredible dedication of our APs! A heartfelt thank you to Marcus Shipley at Showell Elementary School for his unwavering support of our students and staff. Your hard work and commitment make a difference every day! #APWeek25
Our SDMS students and several schools partnered with Jesse Klump Memorial Foundation to create an artistic river of kindness to create more awareness about youth mental health. Thank you to the Town of Berlin for letting us install it at Stephen Decatur Park. We appreciate Senator Carozza and BOE member Elena McComas for joining us at the installation celebration! Thanks Mrs. Ouellet and Ms. McDaniel for your leadership!
Celebrate National Assistant Principals Week with us as we recognize the incredible dedication of our APs! A heartfelt thank you to Jane Chisholm at Ocean City Elementary School for her unwavering support of our students and staff. Your hard work and commitment make a difference every day! #APWeek
Meet Christina Kozlowski, Snow Hill High School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 16.
Christy Kozlowski holds a Bachelor of Arts from West Chester University and a Master of Arts from The College of Notre Dame of Maryland. After a decade in business, Christy earned a Bachelor of Science from Salisbury University to become an educator. She has dedicated 15 years to Snow Hill schools and currently teaches 9th grade English at the high school. Her passion lies in using innovative strategies to engage students and create an environment that fosters growth. Christy established a student book club, secured multiple grants for reading initiatives, facilitates the Interact clubs, and is an Apple Vanguard member.
Meet Amber Hall, Pocomoke Elementary School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 16.
Amber Hall is a proud Worcester County graduate from Pocomoke. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University. With six years of teaching experience, she currently teaches second grade at Pocomoke Elementary School, where her strong connections with students and families are central to her classroom success. Beyond teaching, Ms. Hall is actively involved in her community, serving as President of the Junior Woman’s Club of Pocomoke City and GFWC Maryland State Junior fundraising chairwoman. She has also taught after-school programs, mentored aspiring educators, written grants for school beautification, and participates in multiple school committees.
Celebrate National Assistant Principals Week with us as we recognize the incredible dedication of our APs! A heartfelt thank you to Jeffrey Postell at Buckingham Elementary School for his unwavering support of our students and staff. Your hard work and commitment make a difference every day! #APWeek
Celebrate National Assistant Principals Week with us as we recognize the incredible dedication of our APs! A heartfelt thank you to Laverne Cray at Worcester Technical High School for her unwavering support of our students and staff. Your hard work and commitment make a difference every day! #APweek25
Meet Genna Drew, Showell Elementary School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 16.
Genna Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Penn State University and is pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. With nine years of teaching experience, including eight at Showell Elementary, she is dedicated to first-grade education. As a member of the Math School Improvement and Conscious Discipline teams, Drew also mentors university interns and new teachers, fostering growth within the educational community. She believes all students deserve to feel loved, valued, and encouraged. Drew creates an inclusive classroom where students are advocated for, feel safe, and are inspired to take risks in learning.
Celebrate National Assistant Principals Week with us as we recognize the incredible dedication of our APs! A heartfelt thank you to Kristy Clark & Colby Haines at Stephen Decatur Middle School for their unwavering support of our students and staff. Your hard work and commitment make a difference every day! #APWeek
Meet Phillip Cropper, Worcester Technical High School's Teacher of the Year, who we'll be celebrating at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 16.
Phil Cropper, a graduate of Baltimore International Culinary College, holds dual degrees in Culinary and Pastry Arts and an APC/Master’s Equivalent from the University of Phoenix. Since 2012, he has led Worcester Technical High School’s Culinary Arts program, emphasizing real-world learning through his “Education Without Walls” philosophy. A decorated educator, he was named 2025 Maryland State Culinary Teacher of the Year and 2024 SkillsUSA Maryland Advisor of the Year. Phil also serves on multiple industry boards, mentors students through SkillsUSA, and brings extensive experience as an Executive Chef and Pastry Chef, shaping the future of culinary education.
Less then ONE week away! We can't wait to see you at Snow Hill High School next Tuesday night! You will see GREAT artwork and hear AMAZING music! #ArtsAreAliveInWorcester
We are so proud of all of our talented and creative artists who placed in the Worcester County Alcohol and Drug Council's Drug Prevention Art Contest. Thank you to our elected officials, law enforcement, and health department partners for helping us to celebrate these students with certificates, prizes and ribbons! #ArtsAreAliveInWorcester
Safety is a community effort! 💙 Use the Safe Schools Maryland Tipline to report anything that doesn’t seem right. Every call helps keep our schools safe!
📞 1-833-MD-B-SAFE
#PartnershipsInAction #WeAreWorcester
