The Prince George's County Public Schools community recently gathered to celebrate the time honored tradition of announcing a Teacher of the Year. Clara Allsup, an English teacher at International High School at Langley Park (IHLP), has been named the 2026–2027 PGCPS Teacher of the Year!
Ms. Allsup isn't just an instructor; she is the cornerstone of the IHLP community. Clara Allsup teaches 9th and 10th-grade multilingual learners, bringing a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world relevance to her classroom.
With nearly eight years of experience serving a diverse student population, she has become known for her ability to meet students exactly where they are, helping them to succeed.
“Ms. Allsup is the quintessential educator,” said IHLP Acting Principal William Shulman. “She has a remarkable ability to foster growth and confidence. She doesn't just teach — she leads, supports, and inspires those around her.”
Ms. Allsup's credentials speak for themselves. A proud Terp with a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland, she is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in School System Leadership for TESOL.
In 2024, she achieved National Board Certification, the highest credential available to educators. This level of expertise ensures that her students aren't just learning English; they are gaining the tools to navigate the world.
The title of 'Teacher of the Year' wasn't the only thing Ms. Allsup took home. She was also awarded a three-year leased vehicle, courtesy of our generous partners at Pohanka Automotive Group and NAI Michael.
We are also proud to recognize our runners-up, both National Board Certified English educators:
Step inside the classrooms and communities of the Prince George's County Public Schools 2026–27 Teacher of the Year and finalists! Hear directly from students, colleagues, and school leaders about what makes each of them extraordinary, and why their work matters now more than ever.
With a new title in hand and the keys to a new vehicle in the other, Ms. Allsup will now move on to represent Prince George's County in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year competition this fall.
Thank you to our partners for helping us to celebrate our Teacher of the Year and first and second place runner-ups: Pohanka Automotive Group, NAI Michael, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, American College of Education, Target, and The Hotel at the University of Maryland.
