Honoring CCPS Staff that Bring ‘Found Impact”

RIDGELY - Brittany Busick, a teacher at Denton Elementary School was named Teacher of the Year, and Amy Smith, In School Support Facilitator at Federalsburg Elementary school was named Support (employee) of the Year for Caroline County Public Schools on April 15, 2026, at a reception at the Cow Barn event venue.

This year’s annual reception was the largest in years with supporters, friends, and family gathering to learn who would receive the professional acknowledgements.

In accepting the TOY award, Busick said, “I knew after high school there was no other family and community that I wanted to be involved with.” She takes pride in having attended high school at the system in which she now teaches.

She will now be considered for Maryland State Teacher of the Year, along with representatives from the other districts across the state. Busick said of that opportunity, “I am so excited to show people … the Caroline County family and what it means to me.”

Busick was among five nominees for TOY, an award that is the result of rigorous application vetting process. Dr. Derek Simmons, superintendent of CCPS, commented on all of the nominees, “these folks stand out amongst their peers.”

“Nominations typically come from a student or a family where there is found impact,” a term he used to highlight a nominee’s positive influence on the student, and by extension the family.

Smith said of her receiving the SOY award, “I love FES. I love Federalsburg. And I love my students and the staff that I work with.”

It was noted in her nomination application that she is on a path to becoming a teacher. When asked about it, Smith smiled and said that her interview was upcoming, and that she looks forward to continuing to be a part of the FES family.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:

Krista Bennett, Federalsburg Elementary School

Brittany Busick, Denton Elementary School (Winner)

Thomas Cheezum, Band and Orchestra Director, Colonel Richardson High School

James “J.J.” Hester, Ridgely Elementary School

Nina Porter, Preston  Elementary School

SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:

Christina Black, Ridgely Elementary School Instructional Assistant

Rebecca Quidas, Ridgely Elementary School Head Custodian

David Rosario-Torres, North Caroline High School Multilingual Family Coordinator and Translator

Amy Smith, Federalsburg Elementary In School Support Facilitator (Winner)

Jane Towers, Colonel Richardson Middle School Attendance Secretary