2024 Teachers of Promise

A group of seven graduating seniors from the education department have been selected to participate in the 2024 Teachers of Promise program, including Karla Aleman ’24, Alexis Cole ’24, Catherine Jenkins ’24, Faith Naill ’24, Michaela “KayKay” Redden ’24, Autumn Resnick ’24 and Emily Webb ’24.

“When I was told I was a Hood College Teacher of Promise, I felt excited for the opportunity to learn from experienced educators across Maryland,” said Emily Webb ’24. “It was encouraging to be chosen to represent Hood College while pursuing what I am passionate about.”

Under the Maryland State Department of Education, the Teachers of Promise (TOP) program partners pre-service education students who will begin their teaching career in the fall with teacher-mentors for a day-long workshop. The program offers recent education graduates an opportunity to gain insight and advice from more than 40 notable teachers throughout Maryland, including Hood alumni Johnathan Dunn, M.S.’22, who was the 2022-23 Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

“I was very honored to be chosen,” said KayKay Redden ’24. “This has already helped me meet and connect with some amazing people, and having a go-to person for all my questions about being a new teacher is nice.”

The TOP event was held on April 19, 2024, at Martin’s West in Baltimore, Maryland. Tricia Strickland, Ph.D., professor of education and program coordinator for the elementary/special education program, accompanied the group of students.

“I am so proud of these amazing future educators,” said Strickland. “TOP recipients will begin their teaching careers with this amazing support network. Currently, we are experiencing critical teacher shortages. One reason for these shortages is the retention of teachers. Having a support network can help keep our teachers in schools.”

Students selected for the program also benefit from being paired with a transition mentor, who will help with the process of going from teacher candidate to practicing educator.

“Being a Teacher of Promise will help me as I begin my first year of teaching by having support from another teacher,” said Alexis Cole ’24. “Knowing that I can go to my mentor teacher about anything makes me feel more comfortable with starting my first year of teaching.”

During the event, students also heard from a distinguished panel of educators, including a presentation from Carey Wright, Ed.D., the newly appointed superintendent of schools for Maryland.

“Becoming a Hood College Teacher of Promise showed me that hard work and persistence pay off,” said Autumn Resnick ’24. “It also showed me to continue to follow my dreams. If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Learn more about the Department of Education here.