Kristen Bratcher, sixth grade science teacher at Somerset Intermediate School, was named Somerset County’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year.
Bratcher was selected as the school system’s Secondary Teacher of the Year finalist. Runner-up, Allison Grove, fifth 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.
Get to know Somerset County’s Teacher of the Year
Kristen Bratcher, right, the 2025-2026 Somerset Teacher of the Year, shares a joyful moment with her husband, Malcolm Bratcher, just after learning she earned the top honor.
Bratcher received her Master’s Degree in English from Salisbury University in 2022 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University in 2019.
She is passionate about fostering curiosity and dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment for all students, according to a release from Somerset County Public Schools. 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.
Bratcher will go on to compete as Somerset County’s candidate for 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year in the fall.
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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Sixth grade science educator named Somerset County’s Teacher of Year.