Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) recently honored two outstanding educators whose work reflects a deep connection rooted in service between Mount St. Mary’s University and the broader educational community in Frederick County.
Alicia Souder, MED’10 C’05, a literacy specialist at Parkway Elementary School, was named the 2026–2027 Frederick County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Kyler Leiter, Ph.D. MA’18, a pre-K teacher at Carroll Manor Elementary School and an adjunct professor at the Anthony F. and Alice G. Agnone School of Education, received the 2026 Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award.
Together, their accomplishments show the impact Mount graduates continue to have in local schools.
After graduating from the Mount’s now named Anthony F. and Alice G. Agnone School of Education, Souder began her teaching career at Parkway. For the past 21 years, she has built a career around researching new ways to help children learn to read.
“I fundamentally believe that every child has the right to a high-quality education,” Souder said. “That’s why I love my job; it’s a way I can continue my own professional knowledge and spread that to my colleagues to cast a wider net so that children learn to read.”
Souder received the teacher of the year award during a surprise ceremony in May, surrounded by all of her students, colleagues, and family cheering her on.
“I was very humbled, very surprised, and overwhelmed, but it was truly a blessing that I can represent our school, my school, and shine some much deserved light on this amazing small school in downtown Frederick,” she said.
That same month, Leiter was honored with the Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award, which FCPS describes as recognizing an educator who has had a significant impact on students.
Leiter teaches pre-K at Carroll Manor Elementary School and teaches graduate-level early childhood courses at the Mount, including “Play in the Developing Brain” and “Foundational Learning by Infants and Toddlers.”
He has also presented research on early education in conferences in Los Angeles, Texas, and even Slovakia.
“It’s a great feeling because you never really go into teaching to be recognized,” Leiter said. “I’m ecstatic to know that people do appreciate all the work that you’re doing.”
Both Leiter and Souder said their education at the Mount shaped them into the educators they are today.
“The one thing that really stood out was the faculty at the Mount,” Leiter said. “They’re just so approachable and they’re willing to work with you and adjust courses based on what the students need. I am so lucky to now work with them as I continue to grow as a researcher and a teacher mentor.”
Souder, who earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Mount, said that the institution solidified her love for service.
“I think, being at a school like Mount St. Mary’s and having a high-quality education as well as a lot of faith really shaped who I am,” she said. “My core values were solidified at the Mount.”
The Mount has long prepared graduates to lead with purpose, and both Souder and Leiter represent that mission in action. Their success shows how Mount alumni carry the university’s values into schools across the region, strengthening communities and preparing the next generation of students for the future.
