Three-Time Morgan State Graduate Named Baltimore City Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year

School of Education and Urban Studies Alumnus Dr. Otis Eldridge Recognized for Leadership and Commitment to Educating Students

Morgan State University’s School of Education and Urban Studies (SEUS) continues to produce notable graduates who excel in their chosen fields. One such alumnus is Otis Eldridge, Ed.D., a three-time graduate of Morgan, who has been named Baltimore City Public Schools’ (BCPS) 2026 Teacher of the Year. As a Teacher of the Year award winner, Dr. Eldridge will receive classroom supplies for his students, prize money, a vacation, and the automatic opportunity to compete for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year.

This marks a continuation of “Teacher of the Year” winners with a Morgan connection in recent years. In 2021, then-doctoral student Brianna Ross, also from SEUS, was named Baltimore County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year, and in 2018, alumna Laquisha Hall, ’06, was named Baltimore City Public Schools' Teacher of the Year.

BCPS Teacher of the Year awardees are selected based on their time spent teaching, commitment to students, demonstrated leadership, recognition as a role model in their school and community, and stellar teacher evaluations. Prior to receiving this most recent recognition, BCPS also recognized Eldrige as an Outstanding Instrumental Music Teacher and honored him with a Trailblazer Award.

For the past 11 years, Dr. Eldrige has taught in classrooms throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He currently serves as the band director, music teacher, and arts integration specialist at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School. He is an exceptional educator and a shining example of passion and commitment, inspiring excellence in the classroom and community. 

Morgan made, Dr. Eldridge holds several degrees from his alma mater, including a Doctor of Education in Urban Educational Leadership (2025), a Master of Arts in Teaching (2011), and a Bachelor of Arts in Music (2009). Erected upon the foundation of an education received at Maryland’s largest HBCU, Eldridge has built a dynamic career in music education. His work is grounded in a deep belief in the brilliance and potential of every child. When not in the classroom, Dr. Eldridge also serves as Member-at-Large for the Maryland Music Educators Association and contributes to state arts education policy.

Congratulations to Dr. Eldridge on this notable accomplishment and for exemplifying the Morgan tradition of excellence and success!