MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
rising star teacher AWARD
MCPS Rising Star Teacher 2025
Ashley Kapp, Brooke Grove Elementary School
Ashley Kapp, third grade special education teacher at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney, is this year’s Rising Star Teacher of the Year.
In her first year of teaching, Kapp works within the school’s Learning Center, supporting 12 third graders with special education services that require a modified pace of instruction with specific supplementary aids and accommodations. She teaches self-contained services in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. The class is made up of students primarily diagnosed with autism with very individualized academic and behavior plans.
In the words of her students:
“Ms. Kapp loves me a lot. I feel it in my heart.”
“Ms. Kapp doesn’t give up on me.”
“She always gives me a second chance.”
“Ms. Kapp always makes me happy.”
Her creativity and inspiration are at the heart of her teaching, bringing lessons to life in ways that ignite curiosity and joy for her students. She has the ability to build meaningful, trusting relationships with students, families and colleagues. Read more about her classroom and her work with students.
About the Award
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Rising Star Teacher Award honors a full-time prekindergarten/Head Start through Grade 12 teacher who is in their first, second or third year of teaching. The Rising Star award winner is a teacher who demonstrates a passion for the success of all students, creatively engages students in learning and contributes to a strong, positive partnership among students, staff, parents and the community. The winner will be recognized at a celebration in the spring and will receive a monetary award.
About the Nominee
The nominee:
Is a current full-time prekindergarten through Grade 12 teacher in MCPS.
Is currently in their first, second or third year of teaching.
Is not a previous recipient of this award. (Previous nominees who did not win may be re-nominated.).
Who Can Nominate a Teacher?
Nominations may be submitted by staff, students, former students, parents, administrators or the general public. Teachers may not nominate themselves. Nominees may be asked to contribute to the development of the nomination packet. Nominators should work with school and community members to create a strong application package.
Winner Selection and Announcement - A panel appointed by the chief of Human Resources and Development will select the recipient.
Requirements
Nominations must be supported by at least one of the following: a student; a staff member, a parent/guardian, or community member.
Nomination Deadline & How to Submit: (Check back in October 2025)
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources and Development (OHRD) at 240-740-7012.