Teacher of the Year

Kyair Butts is passionate about student achievement and equity in education. In addition to teaching 6th-grade English language arts at Waverly Elementary/Middle School, "Mr. K" coaches the school's debate team, volunteers with students on weekends, and has served as a lead facilitator for both City Schools and Urban Teachers. He holds a master's degree in elementary education and special education from Lesley University and has been recognized as Coach of the Year by the Baltimore Urban Debate League and as Most Valuable Urban Teacher.

Read more about Mr. Butts in this press release.

Meghann Harris is dedicated to creating a more diverse and woman-accepting graphic design profession through education. Ms. Harris received both her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and her Master of Art in Teaching from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She is a member of the leadership team at Baltimore Design School and runs the Graphic Design/Interactive Media Production program, in addition to sponsoring the National Arts Honor Society, with which she started the school’s annual coffeehouse. Ms. Harris speaks about her curriculum across the country and in 2018 was nominated for Maryland Art Educator of the Year.

Rebecca McClure teaches 5th-grade English language arts and gifted and advanced learners at Thomas Johnson Elementary/Middle School. She infuses service learning into her instruction, coaches debate through the Baltimore Urban Debate League, and co-directs the choir. Outside the classroom, she supports her school's instructional leadership team, serves on the School Family Council and restorative practices team, and represents teachers on the PTO board. Ms. McClure holds GT certification from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a master’s degree and reading specialist certification from Loyola University of Maryland. She has been recognized as her school's teacher of the year, a past semi-finalist for City Schools Teacher of the Year award, and a Maryland State Department of Education Outstanding Educator in GT Education.