A Teacher Who Helps Students Find Their Voice

Clara Allsup Named Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year

For many students arriving at Prince George's County Public Schools from countries around the world, the classroom can feel like a place of uncertainty. New language, new expectations, and a new culture can create obstacles that seem overwhelming. But for students at International High School at Langley Park, Clara Allsup has spent years turning those obstacles into opportunities.

Now, her dedication, warmth, and remarkable skill have earned her one of the county’s highest honors: she has been named the 2026–2027 Prince George's County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. The announcement came during a celebratory event at University of Maryland, College Park, where educators, school leaders, and supporters gathered to recognize excellence in teaching.

For nearly eight years, Allsup has taught ninth- and tenth-grade multilingual learners, helping students build confidence not only in English, but in themselves. Those who know her say she possesses a rare combination of academic rigor, compassion, and steady leadership.

“Ms. Allsup inspires curiosity, ignites motivation, and challenges her students to reach higher every single day,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “Her unique background equips her exceptionally well to support international students.”

That ability to connect with students from many backgrounds has become one of Allsup’s defining strengths. In a school community built on diversity, she helps young people navigate language barriers while honoring the experiences they bring with them. Students learning English in her classroom are not treated as limited—they are seen as capable, ambitious learners with stories worth telling.

Colleagues also praise her extraordinary work ethic and organizational talent. Beyond teaching, Allsup serves as Recruitment and Intake Committee Chair, helping assess incoming students and connect families with academic supports and essential services. She is also the school’s Master Scheduler, a role requiring precision, patience, and problem-solving.

Acting Principal William Shulman called her “the quintessential educator,” noting her ability to meet struggling students where they are while helping them grow in confidence.

Her commitment to education extends to her own learning. Allsup holds degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park and is currently pursuing a doctorate in school system leadership for TESOL. In 2024, she earned National Board Certification in English as a New Language for Adolescents—the highest professional credential available to educators.

Yet perhaps what matters most cannot be measured by titles or credentials. Students know her as a teacher who believes in them. She has sponsored senior classes, led science clubs, and guided academic competitions, creating spaces where young people can discover talents they did not know they had.

In every role, Clara Allsup represents the best of teaching: intelligence paired with empathy, discipline balanced by encouragement, and leadership rooted in service.

As she advances to the statewide Maryland Teacher of the Year competition this fall, Prince George’s County already knows what it has in her—a champion for students, a builder of futures, and a teacher whose greatest lesson may be helping others believe in themselves.