Introducing Jessica I. Nichols, 2024-2025 Howard County Teacher of the Year and 2024-2025 MSDE State Finalist!

In January, my journey began when 5 of my students nominated me to become the Howard County Teacher of the Year. I didn’t know they did this until I was contacted with the news that I was a semi-finalist. Little did I know that I would go on a journey that would change my life in substantive ways!

This year is my year of service as the Howard County Teacher of the Year and I am so excited about having the ability to lift community and educational issues to the public sphere.

Howard County is beautiful. It is a place where people watch out for each other and find pride in our amazing schools. It is my honor to be able to spend this year telling the rest of the state about this wonderful place that I get to call home.

  • Columbia Community Care

    I am currently the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Columbia Community Care. Starting in 2020 with food relief and aid at the beginning of the pandemic, Columbia Community Care has evolved into much more than a food aid organization. Although we continue to feed people in Howard County, we have been working to ensure that the Howard County Community has the resources it needs! Click here to learn more!

  • Columbia Democratic Club

    I am currently the President Emeritus of the Columbia Democratic Club. The Columbia Democratic Club is the oldest democratic club here in Howard County. The Club is active in the community ensuring to support democratic candidates and progressive ideas through direct activism as well as education. Please join us! Our meetings take place on the second Thursday of the month from September through June! Click here to learn more!

  • Howard County Democratic Central Committee

    I currently serve as an elected member of the HCDCC. As the elected Democratic Party here in Howard County, the HCDCC’s job is to ensure that democrats get elected up and down the ballot in local, state and national elections. The HCDCC is also charged with ensuring that all by-laws and regulations are met. And occasionally the HCDCC is charged with filling vacancies left by elected officials for various reasons. Click here to learn more!

  • Howard County Commission for Women

    I currently serve a Commissioner on the Howard County Commission for Women. Forty three years ago, the Howard County Commission was establish to promote social, political and economic equality for women in Howard County. With the many challenges facing women and girls in our county, the commission will continue to work hard to ensure that women continue to break barriers. Click here to learn more!