Alison Benkovic C’19 Honed Her Teaching Skills and Advocacy for Diverse Learners at NDMU
BALTIMORE, Md. – A Notre Dame of Maryland University alumna and elementary teacher for children learning English was named the 2026-27 Baltimore County Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
A National Board Certified educator with more than 22 years of experience, Alison Benkovic C’19 earned NDMU’s post-baccalaureate certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She serves as an English Language Development teacher for children in grades 3 through 5 at Chadwick Elementary School. She is a devoted advocate for children and their families who are learning English, creating pathways for high-achieving students to enroll in advanced academic programs.
“Being named Baltimore County Public Schools Teacher of the Year is truly one of the greatest honors of my professional career. It is incredibly meaningful to have the opportunity to represent the teachers who show up every day and make a difference in the lives of their students,” said Benkovic. “While my name may be attached to this recognition, teaching is never an individual accomplishment. It reflects the students who inspire me, the colleagues who challenge and support me, and the families who trust us with their children. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the platform it provides to advocate for students whose voices and abilities may sometimes be overlooked. I hope to use this opportunity to remind others that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, challenged, and supported.”
In addition to teaching in the classroom, Benkovic works closely with community partners to support students and their families. She also mentors teachers working toward National Board Certification, hosts annual newcomer holiday events and book celebrations, coordinates her school’s interpreters, reviews the school district’s advanced textbooks, and teaches summer school. Last spring, she was one of two national finalists for the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s 2026 Educator of the Year Award.
“My passion for education comes from the belief that one teacher can make a lasting difference in a child’s life,” said Benkovic. “Growing up, I attended 11 different elementary schools, including four schools during fifth grade alone. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to constantly adjust to new classrooms, new expectations, and new relationships. Those experiences helped shape the educator I am today. They taught me the importance of building relationships, creating a sense of belonging, and recognizing that every student enters our classrooms with a unique story.”
Benkovic says her experience at NDMU broadened her perspective of how to meet the needs of diverse learners and deepened her dedication to educational access for all children.
“I developed a deeper understanding of language acquisition, culturally responsive instruction, and the importance of recognizing the strengths that multilingual learners bring into our classrooms,” she said. “NDMU reinforced the idea that effective teaching requires us to look beyond language proficiency and recognize the whole child. The knowledge and perspectives I gained continue to influence my work as an English Language Development teacher and Advanced Academics Facilitator. I have become especially passionate about ensuring that multilingual learners have equitable access to advanced academic opportunities. My experience at NDMU strengthened both my instructional practices and my commitment to educational equity, advocacy, and lifelong learning.”
As an educator, Benkovic is passionate about helping students to recognize their own potential. She measures her success by the growth she sees in her students.
“I have the opportunity to work with students who bring an incredible range of languages, cultures, experiences, and abilities into our school. There is nothing quite like watching a newcomer student gain the confidence to communicate in English or seeing a student who may have been overlooked discover that they are capable of advanced academic work,” she said. “I also find tremendous fulfillment in working with families and helping them feel connected to our school community. Some of my proudest moments are not measured by test scores or awards, but by the relationships I build and the confidence students develop. When a student begins to believe in themselves, that is when I know I am making a difference.”
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best “Regional Universities North” by U.S. News & World Report.
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