Jody Kathryn Zepp

Jody Kathryn Zepp, 64, passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2025, in Columbia, Maryland following a well-fought five-year battle with cancer. A lifelong educator and advocate for student empowerment, Jody left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young people through her passion for teaching and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

Born on September 23, 1960, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jody was the daughter of Ira G. Zepp, Jr. and Mary Dodd Zepp. She grew up in a family that valued learning and service: principles that would guide her throughout her life. Jody earned her Bachelor of Arts from McDaniel College and went on to receive a Master of Arts from Syracuse University, laying the academic foundation for a distinguished career in education.

Jody’s professional journey was defined by excellence and innovation. In 2014, she was named Claes Nobel Educator of the Year: a national recognition that underscored her commitment to educational leadership. The following year brought further accolades. Jody was honored as Maryland State Teacher of the Year and received The Washington Post's Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award. In subsequent years she was also nominated three times as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction. These honors reflect not only her skill in the classroom but also her deep dedication to nurturing critical thinking and civic engagement among her students.

Her influence extended far beyond the classroom. At Long Reach High School (LRHS) and Hammond High School (HaHS), Jody coached numerous academic teams and extracurricular programs that enriched student experiences and fostered intellectual curiosity. She led Mock Trial and Speech & Debate teams at LRHS; coached CSPAN StudentCam Competition entries at both LRHS and HaHS; guided students through the Stock Market Game and Model UN at HaHS; mentored EconChallenge teams; directed the Government, Law and Public Administration Academy; organized Advanced Placement Boot Camps; served as a judge for the Howard County Simulated Congressional Hearings at Bryant Woods Elementary; and even coached JV Softball - all while maintaining a full teaching load.

Jody’s approach to education was deeply philosophical. She once wrote, “Teaching is a fundamentally human endeavor, and it is that self who walks through the door every day and impacts students’ lives. You really need to know who you are and, I emphasize, why you are--- because that's the difference between a heartened and a disheartened teacher.” Her words captured not only her personal ethos but also served as inspiration for fellow educators striving to make meaningful connections with their students.

Former Maryland State Superintendent Lillian Lowery described Jody as “a dedicated and passionate teacher who brings energy and innovation to her classroom,” adding that “her inspiring efforts reflect the best of our state's education system.” These sentiments were echoed by colleagues, students, and families whose lives were touched by Jody’s tireless work.

Jody was also a member of Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church, where she found spiritual grounding amid her busy professional life.

She is lovingly remembered by her brother Alan P. Zepp and his spouse, Lauren Kimble; sister Karen P. Zepp and her spouse, Genoa Minga; niece Rachael E. Carter; and all those whose lives she enriched through mentorship, friendship, or simply by being present with compassion and purpose. She was preceded in death by her father Ira G. Zepp, Jr., mother Mary Dodd Zepp, and brother Paul H. Zepp.

May Jody Kathryn Zepp’s legacy continue to inspire educators everywhere to lead with heart, purpose, and unwavering dedication to their students’ growth.

A memorial service is being planned for Jody and will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 3:00pm, and will be held at Linden-Linthicum United Methodist Church, 12101 Linden Linthicum Lane, Clarksville, MD 21019 (410-531-5653).

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For those wishing to keep Jody in their memory, donations can be made to this annual cancer fundraising campaign:

Heat It To Beat It, Mercy Medical Center, 301 St. Paul Place, 15th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, www.heatit.org