A Night of Honoring Excellence in Education
In a heartwarming celebration of exceptional educators, the spotlight shone brightly on February 20 at St. Charles High School in Charles County. The star of the evening was Alison Cheney, a devoted physical education teacher at F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, who was crowned the 2025 Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Teacher of the Year.
The event brought together a gathering of educators, students, and community members to pay tribute to the nominees for both the CCPS Teacher of the Year and The Washington Post Teacher of the Year award programs. Among the 39 educators nominated this year, six finalists stood out for their remarkable contributions to student learning, mentorship, and community engagement.
A Champion of Inclusive Learning Experiences
Alison Cheney, an adaptive physical education teacher with 17 years of service in CCPS, has left an indelible mark on the lives of her students. Her journey began at North Point High School, where she worked with students facing physical and cognitive challenges. In 2022, she transitioned to F.B. Gwynn, where she continued her mission of advocating for inclusive learning experiences, ensuring that students of all abilities could access engaging physical education programs.
Superintendent Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., lauded the nominees for their unwavering commitment to students, emphasizing the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping future generations. “I love spending time with incredible human beings who are masters of their craft,” Navarro shared. She expressed how educators consistently inspire her with their expertise, innovation, and dedication to student success.
Recognizing Excellence in Teaching
The CCPS Teacher of the Year program seeks to shine a light on educators who go above and beyond in their profession. The selection process involves nominations from schools across the county, honoring teachers who excel in student engagement, leadership, and contributions to the school community.
Joining Cheney as finalists for the award were Erin Amore, Georgia Green, Aparna Joshi, Sara Keener, and Megan Swinea. These outstanding educators were commended by Board of Education Chairperson Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., as the “best of the best” among thousands of educators in the county.
Last year’s CCPS Teacher of the Year, Josh Clark, a Spanish teacher at Henry E. Lackey High School, reflected on the honor of being an ambassador for education. “The dedication, passion, and hard work you pour into students every day do not go unnoticed,” Clark remarked. He acknowledged the room filled with teachers who inspire, uplift, and shape the future for their students.
A Teacher Who Inspires Through Inclusion
Alison Cheney’s impact transcends the realm of physical education. At F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, she has cultivated an inclusive environment where students of all abilities can participate, grow, and develop confidence. Her classroom is described by behavior specialist Amy Adams as a space where respect, curiosity, and resilience flourish.
Students themselves have recognized Cheney’s dedication and mentorship. In a recommendation letter, Connor Carroll, De’Veon Venerable, and former student Khaliyah Terry described her as more than just a PE teacher, highlighting her ability to make every lesson fun, educational, and empowering.
Cheney’s creative teaching methods, such as obstacle courses and teamwork challenges, not only enhance physical skills but also foster social confidence and teamwork abilities among students. Her approach ensures that physical education is both interactive and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on her students.
Beyond the Classroom: Advocacy and Leadership
In addition to her teaching role, Cheney is actively involved in various school and community programs. She leads the therapy pool program for students needing aquatic therapy and serves as F.B. Gwynn’s public relations liaison, organizing events like Trunk-or-Treat, winter family gatherings, and Lunch with Your Special Person.
Moreover, Cheney is a coach and district representative for Special Olympics Maryland’s Unified track and field program, advocating for greater inclusivity in sports and education. Through her professional learning initiatives, she equips other educators with strategies to create more accessible learning environments for students with disabilities.
In recognition of her commitment to inclusion, Cheney received the Simon McNeely Award from the Society of Health & Physical Educators (SHAPE) in 2023, a testament to her efforts in promoting health and fitness among students.
What’s Next for Cheney and the Finalists
As the CCPS Teacher of the Year, Cheney will now represent Charles County in the Maryland State Department of Education’s Maryland Teacher of the Year competition. She will compete for the statewide honor, with the winner proceeding to represent Maryland in the National Teacher of the Year program.
Additionally, one of the remaining five finalists will be chosen this spring to represent CCPS in The Washington Post’s Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes outstanding educators across the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
The recognition bestowed upon Cheney and all honorees underscores Charles County Public Schools’ commitment to educational excellence, celebrating the teachers who make a meaningful difference in students’ lives every day.
Celebrating Teachers Across Charles County
The Teacher of the Year program is a cherished tradition in CCPS, showcasing the educators who shape future generations. Each school and educational center in the county nominates one teacher to be considered for the honor, highlighting their exceptional dedication to teaching and student development.
This year’s nominees, representing diverse backgrounds, grade levels, and specialties, exemplify the dynamic and diverse nature of Charles County’s educators. As Cheney continues to represent CCPS at the state level, her work serves as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive education, innovative teaching practices, and unwavering dedication to students.
For further information about the CCPS Teacher of the Year program and other educational initiatives, visit the Charles County Public Schools website.
