We began Teacher Appreciation week by recognizing our Regional Teachers of the Year with a lunch at the VDOE offices, a discussion of their role in my advisory panel and ended the evening with the announcement of the Virginia Teacher of the Year! Avanti Yamamoto of Hanover County Public Schools (Region 1) was selected as the 2025 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and her passion was evident as she discussed the gifts she is given by teaching her students every day. She truly elevated the work and impact teachers have in her acceptance speech. Seven other educators were celebrated for their service as Regional Teachers of the Year: Chanda L. Woods, Newport News Public Schools (Region 2); Beth Marshall, Spotsylvania County Public Schools (Region 3); Darnell Greene, Manassas Park City Schools (Region 4); Genevieve Weaver, Bedford County Public Schools (Region 5); Candace Nichole Carrier, Montgomery County Public Schools (Region 6); Andy Holmes, Smyth County Public Schools (Region 7); and Emily Overstreet, Cumberland County Public Schools (Region 8). Each regional teacher of the year demonstrates their focus and commitment to their students each day and represent the dedicated teachers we have across the Commonwealth.
I am proud of our educators' commitment and "over and above" dedication to our students. Over the past few weeks, I have spoken to educators in Hampton City about their transformation of their literacy practices and their wall-to-wall academy model that provides expansive readiness skills and work-based learning opportunities. In Williamsburg, two high school teachers have launched a house system that ensures every high school student is connected to their peers and feels a sense of belonging. We also kicked off Mental Health Awareness month by visiting the innovative counseling center in Hanover High School. This center is not only equipped with a calming center for high school students, QR codes for supports, but they also staff the center with a full-time mental health counselor. Finally, I visited Fredericksburg City Schools yesterday where at-risk youth get to work with educators and community members two Saturdays a month to ensure they are high school ready. Their Farmers Scholars program truly goes above and beyond for the students in their community. In every part of the Commonwealth, the efforts of educators are making an impact and changing students' lives. I am humbled and proud to witness your work and elevate educator voice in Virginia.
As an educator and a Mimi to two beautiful Virginian grandchildren, I am thankful. I am humbled by all that you do to ensure our students can reach their hopes and dreams. Thank you for choosing to be a Virginia teacher. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! #ElevateEducatorsVA
-Lisa
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