“I am so incredibly happy that I chose to go into education. I wake up every morning happy to go to work. That’s the one goal I had for myself.” — Jevons Liu (Cohort 2019)
Meet Jevons Liu, a City Teaching Alliance alum and now Baltimore City Public Schools’ 2025 Teacher of the Year. Jevons is a National Board Certified special education and mathematics teacher at the Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE) and has built a thriving career centered on believing in his students. Since joining the school, he continuously strives to create opportunities that help all students reach their fullest potential.
Expanding What’s Possible
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jevons launched an ambitious new initiative: ACCE’s first AP Calculus program. His goal was simple yet powerful: to expand access to rigorous coursework for all students.
“When he first designed the AP Calculus program, he was adamant about ensuring everyone had access—especially students with disabilities who may not get recommendations from teachers who viewed them with a deficit perspective. He stayed after class every day during the COVID-19 lockdown to ask questions and problem-solve. Now the program has been up and running for years.” — Dr. Emily J. Yanisko, Jevons’ instructional coach
Thanks to Jevons’ vision, persistence, and commitment to inclusion, what began as a bold idea has since become a permanent fixture at the school. “I am incredibly proud of him,” said Dr. Emily J. Yanisko. “His growth from when he joined us [City Teaching Alliance] to now is astonishing. He always was curious, asked questions, pushed his understanding forward, and worked to be inclusive of all children.”
Impact That Reaches Beyond the Classroom
Jevons’ leadership extends far beyond his classroom. At ACCE, he spearheads staff wellness efforts and supports student-athletes in balancing academic and athletic demands. Across the district, he mentors new teachers and contributes to statewide education initiatives—serving on the Maryland Teacher Advisory Council and co-chairing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Pillar 5 Advisory Committee.
His work is grounded in a systems-level approach to equity and a deep belief in the potential of every student. “This recognition isn’t a finish line—it’s a launchpad,” Jevons said while reflecting on his Teacher of the Year award. “I intend to fully leverage this platform to build bridges, unify our community, and keep our shared purpose at the center: supporting students in achieving their aspirations.”
Jevons Path to Teaching
Jevons’ path to the classroom was intentional. He joined City Teaching Alliance in 2019 because he wanted to be “fully prepared for the realities of the classroom—not just the fulfillment and joy, but also the struggles and challenges that come with this work.”
“The residency model gave me the invaluable opportunity to learn under experienced host teachers for an entire year,” he shared. “I was fortunate to be mentored by professors and coaches who consistently went the extra mile. I feel incredibly blessed to have been supported at every step of my journey.”
Jevons’ Message to New and Future Educators
As someone who has experienced both the challenges and the deep fulfillment of teaching, Jevons is passionate about encouraging others to join the profession. For him, “there’s nothing truly more impactful than getting to work with the incredible students” of Baltimore City. He hopes aspiring educators will see the same potential in this work that he does.
To those just starting out, he offers not only encouragement but also a set of reflection questions that have grounded him throughout his journey:
“Why did I become a teacher? Why do I serve in this community? What reputation do I want to have? And what am I truly willing to do to live up to that vision? These questions can keep you grounded when things get tough—and they will. But being real with yourself about what matters and what you’re here for will help you push through and grow.”
Even now, a single line from his Baltimore City Public Schools’ offer letter continues to guide him: “As an aspiring teacher, you will be a part of a movement to improve and refine education in Baltimore City. You will become an integral member of a community that is already working hard to support children and bring equity to American education.”
This serves as a reminder that he is not just a teacher, but part of a larger movement and community that is improving education for all children. Jevons’ journey, and the lives he continues to impact, are a testament of what’s possible when an educator leads with purpose, equity, and heart.
Congratulations, Jevons. We’re honored to celebrate this well-earned recognition—and even more honored to call you a City Teaching Alliance alum.