2025 SBOE Teacher Member Election Held on November 3-17
During the 2019 legislative session MSEA helped pass a bill to add a current teacher to the State Board of Education, elected by teachers from across the state. This major step in the right direction has helped to ensure that actual teachers who know our students, classrooms, and challenges have a voice at the table in policy decisions that affect our jobs and schools.
By all accounts it’s been an incredibly successful policy, benefiting all public education stakeholders thanks to the work of Carroll County music teacher Rachel McCusker, the trailblazing first educator-elected teacher representative on the Maryland State Board of Education (SBOE).
“Rachel has done an excellent job reflecting the concerns, priorities, and realities of educators during her time as the teacher member of the State Board over the last six years,” said MSEA President Paul Lemle. “She didn’t inherit a roadmap—she created one. As the first elected teacher representative, she led with integrity, insight, and passion. From fine arts to curriculum reform to educator advocacy, her service has left a mark. As Rachel finishes her last of two terms in office, we extend our gratitude for a job very well done.”
Electing a New SBOE Representative
The position is term limited, so it’s time to elect a new representative to the SBOE. Members eligible to run and vote in the election to succeed Rachel were emailed in August outlining the process for seeking MSEA’s endorsement. Nominations were open September 1–30. MSEA governance and staff reviewed the nomination packets of members who sought MSEA support and forwarded its recommended candidates to the MSEA Board of Directors for a potential recommendation to be voted upon by delegates at the MSEA Convention.Candidates certified as eligible by MSDE will be announced on October 27, with voting following on November 3-17. If more than 25 nominees are running, or if there is a tie, there will be a run-off election on December 1-15. The election results will be announced by January 14.
For more information about the SBOE teacher seat and the election, visit marylandpublicschools.org and search for “teacher member election.”