Graduate Alumni Spotlight | Brittany Collins, M.S.'17

I attended Frostburg State University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education. In 2011, I was hired at Whittier Elementary to teach kindergarten and later transitioned to fourth grade.

In 2016, I joined Salem Avenue Elementary, teaching second and third grade. While at Salem, I completed my master’s in curriculum and instruction from Hood College. Soon after, I began teaching third grade at Maugansville, and I now work with multilingual learners at Springfield Middle School.

While working in Frederick County, I began looking for a college nearby that offered a master’s in curriculum and instruction. Many of my colleagues were pursuing their degrees at Hood College, so I decided to explore it. When I visited to apply, I immediately enjoyed the campus atmosphere and felt it would be a great fit for me. I graduated from Hood in 2017.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for teaching. No other career path ever seemed as appealing to me. I loved the chance to visit younger classrooms in elementary school and read to the students. Looking back, I realize that the teachers who gave me those opportunities inspired my desire to work with students and pursue a career in education.

Working at Springfield Middle School has been an incredible experience. The school is home to dedicated and passionate teachers who are committed to meeting the needs of every student. It fosters a supportive and welcoming environment for both students and staff, making it an exceptional place to be.

Applying for the Washington County Teacher of the Year was a rigorous process. First, a community member, staff member or student nominates a teacher who they believe deserves the award. Then, the nominated teacher is notified and invited to complete an application, which includes several essay questions.

From these applications, five to six finalists are selected. The finalists participate in an interview and give a speech about why they would be a strong representative for Washington County. Finally, an awards dinner is held where the winner is announced. The entire process provided me with an opportunity to reflect on my values as a teacher and consider areas where I can continue to grow.

I was truly honored to receive the Teacher of the Year Award for Washington County Public Schools. While I am confident in my ability as an educator and strive to provide the best instruction for my students, this recognition means much more to me. It symbolizes the commitment to excellence in education that I bring to the classroom every day.

My advice to future teachers is to enter the profession wholeheartedly. While some days will be challenging, the rewards over the years are truly remarkable. Pursue your passion, seek guidance from a mentor and always prioritize what’s best for the students.

When I was younger, I learned to make balloon animals to entertain kids at family events.

Inspired by Brittany’s accomplishments as a teacher? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, such as curriculum and instruction, by clicking here.