Master’s alum recognized as Carroll County’s top teacher

Emily Brynes M.S. ’24, who graduated from McDaniel with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, was named the Carroll County 2026 Teacher of the Year, making her eligible to be chosen as the 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year and move on to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

Carroll County TOY Emily Brynes — Carroll County Teacher of the Year Emily Brynes M.S. ’24 teaches business and entrepreneurship courses at Westminster High School.

Emily Brynes M.S. ’24 has been named Carroll County’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, earning her a spot among 24 teachers from all of Maryland’s school systems to be considered for the 2027 Maryland Teacher of the Year, who will then compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

Brynes, who earned a master’s degree from McDaniel in Educational Leadership in 2024, teaches business and entrepreneurship courses at Westminster High School, including Financial Literacy, Business Law, Marketing, Principles of Business Administration, among others. She is also chair of the Business Department and School Improvement Team.

A National Board Certified Teacher in Career and Technology Education, Brynes also holds Maryland Administrator I Certification.

Brynes grew up in Carroll County, graduating from Manchester Valley High School, and became a teacher after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Management on the Entrepreneurial track from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She has taught at Westminster High School for the past eight years.

She is a two-time recipient of Westminster High School’s Unsung Hero Award, an honor granted by students to recognize “outstanding performance and lasting contributions.” In addition to teaching, Brynes serves as a class advisor and advisor for multiple student organizations, such as Sources of Strength, Outdoor Adventure Club, Marketing Club, and Key Club. She created the school’s marketing internship program while serving as Peer Observation Leader and Holiday Giving Coordinator. Previously, she coached Westminster’s junior varsity basketball team.

In an interview with the Carroll County Times, Brynes said her favorite part of the school day is interacting with students.

“I feel like as a teacher, you have a really unique ability to help impact them and motivate them and push them in the right direction and challenge them,” she said.

McDaniel has trained teachers and administrators for over 100 years and has a proud tradition of producing top educators. Since 2010, more than 30 alums have been recognized as County Teachers of the Year, including five State Teachers of the Year. Michelle Shearer M.S. ’96 was the 2011 National Teacher of the Year, with two others who were recognized as Maryland Teachers of the Year named national finalists.

“I feel like as a teacher, you have a really unique ability to help impact them and motivate them and push them in the right direction and challenge them."

Emily Brynes M.S. ’24

Emily Brynes Carroll County TOY — Carroll County Teacher of the Year Emily Brynes M.S. '24 was recognized at the Maryland State Board of Education Ceremony on May 28, 2026.