Press Release: Non-Traditional High School Science Educator Named Prince George’s County Teacher of the Year
April 10, 2025
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UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Lafiya Tunstall, Science Department Chair at Non-Traditional Program South, has been named the 2025 Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a celebratory event at the University of Maryland, College Park, where Tunstall received a three-year leased vehicle courtesy of Pohanka Automotive Group and NAI Michael.
Angela Grooms, fifth-grade reading teacher at Kingsford Elementary in Mitchellville, and Madelaine Galarza, K-5 reading teacher at Tulip Grove Elementary in Bowie, were first and second runners-up for the award, respectively.
Tunstall, a high school science teacher serving 11th and 12th grade students, brings both academic rigor and real-world relevance to her Environmental Science and Earth & Space Science courses. She is celebrated for her dedication to educational equity, her innovative and engaging teaching approach, and her unwavering belief that every student can succeed.
“Ms. Tunstall is a true example of what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and vision,” said PGCPS Superintendent Millard House II. “Her passion for science and commitment to student and staff growth make her an outstanding representative of our profession. We are proud of her work – and equally proud to celebrate all of our finalists, who exemplify the excellence, dedication, and innovation found across Prince George’s County Public Schools.”
With six years of service in Prince George’s County and a career that spans multiple districts – including Baltimore City Public Schools and Purpose Built Schools of Atlanta – Tunstall has long championed students who thrive in non-traditional settings. At Non-Traditional Program South, she focuses on empowering students who face academic or personal obstacles in conventional classrooms.
“I know many educators are deserving of this award, but no one — in my eyes — deserves it more,” said Non-Traditional Program South Principal Wendell Coleman. “Ms. Tunstall works tirelessly every day for our students, engages them, motivates them, inspires them, introduces new things to them, and doesn’t limit them in any way. I’m so grateful that she’s been recognized for her work – she deserves it.”
Tunstall holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University, with a minor in Chemistry, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Nyack College. Beyond the classroom, she leads monthly professional development for novice educators, mentors new teachers, and serves as an instructor for the district’s Climate Change En-ROADS program in partnership with the Schmidt Outdoor Education Center.
Her leadership extends into school life as well – she has served as Senior Class Sponsor for multiple graduating classes and led science clubs and academic contests that build a love of learning beyond the bell schedule.
As Teacher of the Year, Tunstall will represent Prince George’s County in the Maryland State Department of Education’s statewide competition. The Maryland Teacher of the Year will be announced this fall and will go on to compete for National Teacher of the Year.
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