Celebrating Kent County Teacher of the Year

HUNT VALLEY, MD
Top educators from throughout Maryland, including Kevin Nelson of Kent County High School, were celebrated for their accomplishments at the 36th annual Teacher of the Year Gala earlier this month.
Nelson is the automotive technology instructor at Kent County High School. This spring he was named Kent County’s Teacher of the Year.

On Friday evening, October 9, Nelson was among those celebrated at the 36th annual Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala held at Valley Mansion by Martin’s in Hunt Valley.

“It was an honor to represent Kent County at the Maryland State Teacher of the Year celebration at Martin’s Valley Mansion,” Nelson said. “In addition to the celebration, I was able to start making connections with other teachers from the state and share what we do at Kent County High School.”

Nelson is a Kent County High School alum. After a career start as an automotive mechanic, he returned to Kent County High School to teach his trade in 2008 at the recommendation of his former instructor.
Automotive technology is one of the 11 pathways Kent County High School students can choose from in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Nelson attended the October 9 gala with his family, Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas, Kent County High School Principal Kris Hemstetter and Director of Human Resources Dr. Yolanda Holloway.

“It was truly an honor to be surrounded by the exceptional educators representing all 24 school systems across Maryland,” Hemstetter said of the evening. “I am especially proud of Mr. Nelson and excited to see Career and Technical Education represented among this outstanding group of teachers.”
For Nelson, the value of the high school’s CTE program is clear.

“There is an alarming need for skilled workers in the trades industries,” Nelson said. “CTE is the first step in filling this need.”

Not only does Nelson teach students a skilled trade, he is also known for helping them get a start on their career by connecting them with potential employers.

“Mr. Nelson exemplifies the importance of CTE by connecting classroom learning to real-world skills, preparing students for meaningful careers and demonstrating that there are many pathways to success,” Hemstetter said.

As Kent County Public School’s Teacher of the Year, Nelson competed with colleagues from each district in Maryland for the state award.

It was Michael James of Hartford County Public Schools who was named the 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year at the gala.

“Michael James embodies the transformative power of teaching,” said Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright in a statement. “His innovation, compassion and unwavering commitment to student success make him an extraordinary representative of Maryland’s educators.”

Nelson’s recognition as Kent County’s Teacher of the Year did not end with the state celebration.
Over the course of the school year, Nelson will join his fellow Teachers of the Year for unique training and development programs offered by the Maryland State Department of Education.

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Editor’s Note:
I have known Kevin Nelson for many years and can not think of a more deserving teacher to receive this honor. Congratulation and Job Well Done