The Washington Post announced the winners and finalists of its 2026 Principal and Teacher of the Year Awards on June 4. Each year, The Post presents the awards to encourage excellence in school leadership and contributions to the improvement of education in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Read more about the MCPS finalists below:
Evan Bernstein has dedicated more than three decades to MCPS, building a career defined by strong relationships, high expectations and a deep commitment to student success. As principal of Little Bennett Elementary School, Bernstein is known for fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student, staff member and family feels they belong.
Since joining Little Bennett in 2022, Bernstein has worked collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen the school’s vision, centering it around the belief that all students can achieve at high levels. His leadership has helped cultivate a positive school culture, with themes such as Relationships Matter and You Belong Here, with high levels of staff morale and families reporting a strong sense of connection and support. Under his guidance, the school has seen growth in student achievement and attendance, as well as notable growth in reading performance, particularly in foundational literacy.
Bernstein’s approach to leadership is relational and instructional. He is student-centered in every decision he makes, always leading with kindness and empathy, is approachable and considerate, and leads staff and students to feel supported and that their contributions matter. He is highly visible in classrooms and at school events, building trust through open communication and genuine engagement. He prioritizes collaboration among staff and ensures teachers have the tools and strategies needed to meet the diverse needs of their students.
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Throughout his career — as a teacher, staff development specialist, assistant principal and principal — Bernstein has remained focused on creating environments where students thrive academically and socially.
Margret Bower
With 22 years of experience, Margret Bower currently teaches third grade at Rock View Elementary School. Known for her ability to connect deeply with students, Bower creates a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued and capable of success.
Bower has focused on meeting the diverse needs of her students, including multilingual learners and those with individualized education plans. She believes in recognizing students’ strengths and fostering a growth mindset, encouraging them to embrace challenges and celebrate progress. Her thoughtful, student-centered approach has led to significant academic gains, including notable growth in reading achievement.
She creates a magical classroom environment where students are encouraged to take risks. She encourages students’ thinking from “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it, yet,” recognizing that learning is a process and growth takes time. Her students support each other in their learning and cheer each other on. Her classroom is safe, uplifting and filled with love. Much of Bower’s career has focused on educating students with non-traditional learning styles; she has earned graduate certificates in bilingual special education and in educating students with dyslexia and autism.
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She sponsors the Rainbow Club, which spreads kindness throughout the school by posting caring, affirming messages for everyone. Her commitment extends to showing up to her students’ sports events, plays and community events.
Bower serves as the school’s elected faculty representative and union building representative. She has also served as a team leader and co-led the Elementary Council on Teaching and Learning, and contributed to curriculum development and instructional improvement efforts. She has mentored student teachers and interns and served as a teacher trainer.
Read the original article at mcps