PRINCESS ANNE, MD (April 12, 2025) - Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) recently announced Mrs. Kristen Bratcher, 6th Grade Science Teacher at Somerset Intermediate School, as the District’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Bratcher was selected as the school system’s Secondary Teacher of the Year finalist. Runner up, Mrs. Allison Grove, 5th Grade Reading & Language Arts Teacher at Carter G. Woodson Elementary School was named 2025-2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Winners were announced at the Somerset Teacher of the Year Banquet hosted at University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Henson Center Ballroom on April 11, 2025.
Bratcher received her Master’s Degree in English from Salisbury University (2022) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University (2019). She is passionate about fostering curiosity and dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment for all students. Bratcher served on the selection committee for the current middle school science curriculum, and she continues to offer resources and collaboration to support its implementation. As a member of the Parent/Family Engagement Committee, she contributes to strengthening the relationship between the school, students, and their families.
Mrs. Bratcher will go on to compete as Somerset County’s candidate for 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year in the fall.
(L-R) Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell, Superintendent, Charles Otto, Maryland Delegate, Kristen Bratcher, 2025-2026 Somerset Teacher of the Year, Tracie Bartemy, Director of Schools, Matthew Lankford, Somerset Board of Education Chairperson
Mrs. Kristen Bratcher was named the 2025-2026 Somerset Teacher of the Year Title at the April 11, 2025 Somerset Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet at University of Maryland Eastern Shore Henson Hotel and Conference Center.
(L-R) (L-R) Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell, Superintendent, Allison Grove, 2025-2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year, Tracie Bartemy, Director of Schools, Matthew Lankford, Somerset Board of Education Chairperson
SCPS Leadership presented runner-up, Mrs. Allison Grove with the 2025-2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year Title at the April 11, 2025 Somerset Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet at University of Maryland Eastern Shore Henson Hotel and Conference Center.
Kristen Bratcher (R), the 2025-2026 Somerset Teacher of the Year, shares a joyful moment with her husband, Malcolm Bratcher (L), just after learning she earned the top honor.
Kristen Bratcher, recently named 2025-2026 Somerset Teacher of the Year, gives her acceptance speech at the April 11, 2025 Somerset Teacher of the Year Banquet and Awards Ceremony.