Dr. Otis Eldridge, band director, music teacher, and arts integration specialist at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School, has been named the City Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year! Dr. Eldridge is a shining example of the passion, commitment, and skill of our educators districtwide.
As a proud son of Baltimore City and a graduate of Baltimore City Public Schools, his journey reflects the transformative power of education. Dr. Eldridge is a three-time graduate of Morgan State University, earning his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees while developing a dynamic career in music education. With 11 years of experience across the Mid-Atlantic, he inspires students at every level.
In 2023, Dr. Eldridge was recognized as an Outstanding Music Educator, and he currently serves as a Member-at-Large for the Maryland Music Educators Association, contributing to state arts education policy.
Learn more about Dr. Otis Eldridge, as well as our Teacher of the Year finalists and semifinalists, on the Teacher of the Year webpage.