Announcing Richmond’s Top Teacher 2010 & top-voted in each county
Richmondmom.com and Top Notch Richmond know that teachers are one of Richmond’s most valuable resources, so we want to encourage Richmonders to vote for their favorite preschool-to-high school teacher for the 2010 Top Teacher Contest.
LINDA LIVINGSTON of Henrico County had the most votes and is Richmond’s 2010 Top Notch Teacher!
The top-voted teachers in each county* are listed below: (*not every county in the Richmond-area had nominees in this contest)
Chesterfield County: Donald Felice
Richmond City: Kerri Treadway
Hanover County: Catherine Shevenock
Hopewell: Donna Hicks
Louisa: Dawn Watson
Powhatan: Ginnie Gills
The teacher with the top-votes from each county in the surrounding Richmond-area will also be recognized during Teacher Recognition Week in early May at a Richmond Squirrels game!
Below are the Richmond-area businesses generously sponsoring this contest:
-Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography: $500 Gift Certificate
-Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg: Overnight stay in family fireplace suite, $250
-Chick-fil-A: Chicken Biscuits for one year, $300
-Barksdale Theatre: 4 tickets to the Sound of Music, $160
-Science Museum of Virginia: One-year membership, $100
-Learning Rx: Gift Basket of learning games for classroom, $75
-Massage Envy Short Pump: $50 One-hour massage gift certificate
-MyDesignGuide.com: $50 gift certificate for home design services
-Dream Dinners: $35 gift certificate
-By Invitation Only, $50 gift
-Rachel Chittick of Usborne Books, $50 gift certificate for books for the classroom
-James Limousine: Limousine Service $250 the night of the Flying Squirrels game announcement
-Honey-Do Home Maintenance Services: $125 Gift Certificate for home handyman services
-Ferber’s Tire and Auto: $75 Gift Certificate for oil changes
-The Richmond Squirrels: Four ticket family pack, throw first pitch on game night! $125
-2 Signed copies of Richmond Rocks, $30
-PF Chang’s: $50 Gift Certificate
-Shula’s, $50 Gift Certificate
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Nominated Teachers are listed in alphabetical order by LAST name.
Page Almond, Henrico County
Ms. Almond is a Special Education teacher at Donahoe Elem. School. I have seen great progress in my daughter and all her classmates this year. Ms. Almond takes the time to find their strengths and weaknesses and works to find the best way for them to develop and learn. My daughter is in 2nd grade and because of Ms. Almond she has really progressed this year. She found that my daughter needs to use the large pencils to write and a slant board. She has just worked wonders with her and I can never thank her enough. My daughter entered the PTA Reflections contest this year and won on the county level and Ms. Almond attended the award ceremony so she could see Harleyann and I think she was just as proud of her as I was as her mom. I was also unable to attend the event with my husband and my daughter because I was sick and Ms. Almond took pictures and sent me copies of the pictures a cd with the pictures on it. She is just a great teacher and I could go on with why she deserves this.
Tori Batalo, Henrico County
Tori Batalo has been an art teacher in Henrico County for five years. She has been at Gayton Elementary for 4 years. Tori makes amazing projects with her students and really brings out their artistic talents. She is always coming up with new and exciting projects for the students, such as painting the ceiling tiles in the art room at school. Her students always look forward to art class because of all the different ways they get to explore their creativity.
Katie Baughan, Richmond City
As a parent of a kid with some special needs you know each year will only be successful with a teacher that is patient, caring and creative. We lucked out when we got Katie Baughan as our teacher. Her student and their parents all adore her and appreciate her devotion and sense of responsibility to her kids. She made Science and History come alive while studying Ancient Egypt they mummified a chicken “King Cluck”. Reading and Spelling is fun and different each day with her “daily 5” approach offering kids some variety and choices. She spends countless hours after-school and at home working on creating classroom greatness. She has taken a personal interest in the success of her kids and its shows in the results. She became Nationally Board Certified this year and accepted the challenge of moving from preschool to second grade. She has made a long-lasting mark on our son’s life and we will always appreciate all she does everyday to make learning fun and exciting.
Beverly Brown, Henrico County
Mrs. Beverly Brown is a 4th grade teacher at Echo Lake. She makes the classroom fun with projects that teach and encourage the kids to work in groups. My son looks forward to going to school, and that’s not common. He always comes home with interesting stories, especially Dolphin Stranding. Dolphin Stranding is a process whereby the class uses an inflatable dolphin. They research marks and bruises on it to determine the cause of death as if they are marine life experts, and then they present their findings. This is but one example of how the children are encourage to work within teams and also to practice public speaking. Parents are invited to many classroom presentations. She always keeps parents up to date with plenty of photos on her website. She’s patient, kind and wants the best for each and every child. She is also the teacher liaison for PTA and attends each and every meeting, even on her birthday! I think she’s the best choice.
Amy Casstevens, Chesterfield County
Amy Casstevens is my son’s preschool teacher at Ironbridge Community Christian School in Chesterfield. She is amazing. I have worked in the Early Childhood field as a consultant and a teacher for many years, and I have never come across another teacher with as much compassion and love for children as Amy has for the children in her class. My son has learned so much with her this year, but most importantly, he has grown in confidence and character as she has helped my husband and I teach our son about what it means to love others as well as himself. Amy is not only a hard working teacher, but a mother and wife as well. She deserves a treat for all her efforts, and our family would sincerely love nothing more than to see her honored by becoming Richmond’s Top Teacher this year. We love you Amy! ~Kristi, Chuck and Blake Stilson
Ginger Chalkley, Chesterfield County
Mrs.Chalkley is one of the most caring & respectful teachers/people I have ever met.She is a 1st grade teacher & everything you dream for your children to experience.She uses every resource to teach the material she can find,she is in tune with each & every child in her classroom & will stop at nothing for her students to learn the material. She makes learning fun & is able to attend to each student without neglecting another,truly magic.We were lucky to have her for our first 3 children, not as lucky by the fourth.This last child was having a few struggles & I called her for advice and in a matter of seconds of hearing this she said “bring her to me,I will get her back on track”.Voila like magic she did just that in no time at all!This precious baby is on her way to successful learning & loving school. Mrs. Chalkley always has a smile & kind words.Her philosophy,NO child left behind! My family is very blessed & honored to know her and call her a friend. She is beautiful inside and out.
Jeffrey Cole, Richmond City
Jeff Cole is a 9th grade English and drama teacher at John Marshall High School. He has embraced the challenges of working in an ““inner city”” school feeling he can make an impact at JMHS. His students agree with notes of thanks and gratitude. As a local actor playing Hamlet and most recently Iago in ‘Othello’ Jeff brings a unique perspective to his lessons, making theatre goers out of some his north-side students. Many students made the trip on their own time to come and see Jeff perform in ‘Othello’. Jeff is working with Richmond Shakespeare to ensure more students can come see shows for free. Jeff helped bring ““Hamlet”” to JMHS last year, he himself playing the title role. Jeff is always available to his students with whom he has a strong bond, becoming a mentor as well as a teacher, providing skills that move far beyond the classroom. He is often sought out by students he’s never even taught. Jeff’s unwavering passion and talent makes him a ““Top Notch”” teacher.”
Suzanne Cousins, Chesterfield County
There are many things I am going to say about why I think Ms. Cousins should be the winner of this contest but first and foremost it should be noted that this woman is truly an angel on earth! This teacher exhibits the top 5 things that ALL teachers should have….first, she loves her job and it is apparent by the way she deals with each individual student, parents and faculty. She exhibits this via her patience, respect and genuine care and concern for her students and others. ALL teachers should have patience and I believe this woman’s patience has no end. She is patient with each child she comes in contact with no matter how far they seem to push her. She in turn shows everyone I have seen her come in contact with a great sense of respect. She is such an awesome role model for our kids! She really knows her students and I would dare to say most of the parents as well or at least the ones that want to be known.
Kathy Crews, Henrico County
Mrs. Kathy Crews is the exceptional ed teacher at Lakeside Elementary School. She is a very patient and dedicated teacher. And my daughter loves her. As do probably half the kids in the school. She’s actually so popular, she’s had to make a schedule of when the kids can eat lunch with her. I mean…how many kids think it’s a TREAT to eat lunch with a TEACHER? LOL! She’s very patient in assisting them when they’re learning something that seems difficult and is a great cheerleader to them all. She encourages them to think and succeed in school. I think she definitely is an exceptional teacher as she is one of the main reasons that my daughter is doing so well in school.”
Robin Davia, Henrico County (2 nominations)
Robin inspires students to want to learn at an important age—preschool. She is not only an excellent teacher of topics and skills important and relevant to young children, she is also a gifted nurturer. She is respectful of children, helping them navigate their social development and building their self esteem. And she has a wonderful silly side that immediately grabs a young child’s attention. She is full of energy and truly approaches each child as an individual, addressing each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs in a diverse classroom. Robin makes a lasting impact on children by striking a balance of fun and structure, using consistent positive encouragement, and providing plenty of hugs and emotional support to what can be an overwhelming time for preschoolers. I hope you will acknowledge her amazing contribution as a teacher.”
Pam Duncan, Richmond City
Ms. Pam Duncan is an amazing Pre-k teacher at Linwood Holton Elem. She takes the time with each child and parent to make them comfortable with the entire process of starting school. She takes care of the students and parents as well.
Stacey Edmonds, Henrico County
Stacey Edmonds is a teacher extraordinaire! Not only is she a great teacher for her students, but she is a generous co-worker and she reaches above and beyond to create an exciting environment to work in.
Stacey prepares interactive and innovative lessons for her first graders. She takes a genuine interest in her students and she accepts all challenges that come her way. She has established an annual Talent Show at our school, which takes a tremendous amount of time and energy, which she has plenty of! Also, she organizes an annual Spring Sports Clinic, bringing talented college and high school athletes to teach our students sports skills. Stacey’s enthusiasm is contagious, as is evident because of all of the people so willing to donate their time to help her succeed with these extra projects. Stacey works long hours and deserves some special treats! She gives so willingly of her time and talents. It would be wonderful to offer her a little something just for herself!”
Brenda Eldergill, Richmond City
She’s my mom, also. Taught much of what I know today.
Donald Felice, Chesterfield County
Mr. Felice teaches 6th grade Social Studies at Manchester Middle School. The year my daughter had Mr. Felice was the first year she showed not only an interest in history, but a desire to learn more. Through Mr. Felice’s bizarre, and yet, true stories of the Founding Fathers, he captures his students attention and makes them passionate about learning history. He is able to relate to students from diverse backgrounds and becomes not only their teacher, but a role model and friend. Students that have had Mr. Felice never forget him and the lessons they learned while in his class. He teaches his students not only history, but organizational skills,which will help them long after they have left his class. He also shows a sincere interest in his students and their activities outside of school. He has attended three of my daughter’s plays which are not school affiliated. Mr. Felice is truly one of a kind and I hope you will consider him for the Top Teacher award. He truly deserves it!
Erin Flanagan, RIchmond City, 2009 Richmondmom.com Top Teacher
Erin Flanagan is wonderful! She has been a Godsend to our family this year. My daughter, Karlee has thrived in Mrs. Flanagan’s class. Karlee has an amazing brain for academics. She also was diagnosed with ADHD combined type as a 1st grader. As experienced w/this there were several behavior problems. I was in Child Study Committee meetings all year. At one point, even suspension was mentioned. The staff was trying to help and we did finish 1st grade. With that ““history”” in our file I was very concerned about beginning a new year in 2nd grade. From our 1st meeting, Mrs. Flanagan was unphased & direct about reading Karlee’s file. She seemed completely confident that Karlee would have a good year. She has! Karlee has been like a different child, behavior-wise this year. Mrs. Flanagan made accommodations in classroom without Karlee having an IEP. She initiated revisiting Committee for Karlee and we were just approved. I am so thankful for Mrs. Flanagan’s dedication and love of what she does.
Krista Gagliardo, Chesterfield County
Mrs. Gagliardo (aka Mrs. G) was my daughter’s first grade teacher. Although my daughter has had many good teachers in the last 6 years, Mrs. G still stands out as an exceptional teacher. She treats children with respect, she sets high expectations and has the “gift” to teach and help children meet those expectations. Her smile and cheerful attitude makes one feel better just by being around her. Chesterfield is blessed to have such an outstanding teacher!
Virginia “Ginny” Gills, Powhatan County
She’s young at heart, captivates her students and continues to love and support them throughout their lives.
Diane Glover, Chesterfield County
Diane Glover is a 6th grade social studies and reading teacher at St. Edward-Epiphany School. She has many years of experience but tackles each day with a fresh, enthusiastic attitude. My children immediately credit her for having a significant influence on them and turning them both on to reading and learning. Diane captures the students by sharing her real life travel stories with them. Not only do they learn about cultures through their books but she takes it to a whole new level by immersing them in the culture. She shares her travel photos, has them experiment with the traditions of the country, brings in clothing for them to try on and wraps up the unit with a tasting of native foods. This well-rounded technique makes the students interested and curious. I have seen both my children who had her undergo a big change in 6th grade. Any one can lecture students on a topic but it is a rare teacher who can make those subjects real to their audience and bring it alive for them.
Davonya Goode, Henrico County
Because this person very nice and helpful and caring.
Susan Gooding, Henrico County
I met Susan Gooding last September when my son started second grade. This was his first time attending a Henrico school so we both was nervous. Ms Gooding,a special education teacher, was so welcoming and explained everything we should prepare for the school year. Each meeting I have had with her she have been so pleasant and understanding of his needs for now and for next school year.
Christine Gregory, Chesterfield County
I am nominating Christine Gregory - Pre-Kindergarten teacher at St. Edward Ephiphany School. Christine Gregory is the teacher that you wish upon a star for. Her pre-kindergarten class at St. Edward-Epiphany School is full every morning with 21 faces—some eager, some sniffly, some cranky, but mostly ready to learn. Her extraordinary gift is the ability to understand the individual needs of each child in her class and to meet all the children where they are. She sets high expectations with a loving touch and never raises her voice. She is always in full command of the class while simultaneously tapping into the joy in a kindergarten life. There is a bittersweet pain that goes along with sending your child off to school for the first time. Christine acutely understands the journey of letting go and new beginnings. Christine has guided our family through this transition. She is a great steward to meet at the gate and a gift that our family will forever treasure.”
Latoya Harvey, Henrico County
Nice teacher!
Donna Hicks, Hopewell
Donna Hicks has been in the teaching profession for over 30 years. She has shared her gift with kids pre-K to high school from schools located in Nebraska to Germany. She began her career in classrooms working with what is labeled ““severe and profound”” children with needs as basic as potty training. These children being of school age were not ready for classroom instruction and Mrs. Hicks was given the responsibility to not only socialize them, but teach them the very basics of education. Many of these kids have graduated as a result of the strong foundation she created for them. Much of her career has continued in this path as she has sought to instruct and love some of our nations educationally needy children. Currently, Mrs. Hicks is teaching first grade children and never tires of seeing the ““AHA”” moment when her children read their first words. She is a wealth of knowledge and we are lucky to count her as part of our Richmond teacher force.”
Ginger Hudson, Henrico County
Mrs. Hudson is the lead kindergarten teacher at Nuckols Farm Elementary School. She is a truly gifted educator who makes learning so fun for the kids that they don’t even realize they’re doing it - yet they are left with a lifelong love of it. My son was fortunate to be in Mrs. Hudson’s class. One of my favorite memories from that year is Pirate Day, where she dressed in full pirate regalia and took the class on a treasure hunt. The crept stealthily past other classroom windows and then she would yell a big ““ARGGGG”” in victory, with all the kids following suit. It was hilarious, and they all had a blast. Mrs. Hudson tutors in the summer and has worked with both my kids. She helps keep their skills fresh, always in an enjoyable way. When my son had a bad year, she quickly re-engaged him in the learning process such that he was quickly back on track. Mrs. Hudson is a wonderful teacher, enthusiastic and engaging, and she is a perfect candidate for this award.
Kathleen Hunter, Chesterfield County
Katie Hunter fosters an atmosphere of openness, respect and integrity, making 11th grade Honors English challenging and rewarding. Ms. Hunter’s attitude fosters success. My son has learned to dig deep and develop his work. Student-led ““seminars”” facilitate learning from the material, as well as from each other. Ms. Hunter encourages open discussion and participation from everyone. Ms. Hunter is a tough grader, but fair. She requires extensive cross-subject research, which prepares my son for college. If students get stuck, she guides them to solutions, rather than providing answers. She encourages re-writes to develop skills, and is organized, prepared and enthusiastic. She is always accessible to students and parents and always goes above and beyond. In a time when many teach just to the SOLs, it’s great to know that Ms. Hunter’s students benefit from her passion. She truly deserves this prize, and the award will come back to her students many times over.
Rebecca Jilcott, Chesterfield County
Ms. Jilcott is an orchestra conductor at MMS. I can honestly say that she has been a great influence on my life and all of her students can say the same. She is so close with her students and she relates with them like no teacher I have seen or had before. She has taught me many life skills that I will never forget. She taught me to be a great leader. Every chance she has, she encourages kids to do their best. She taught me many leadership skills and makes leaders out of every student that walks through her classroom door. Another teaching of hers is responsibility. Her students love her to a great extent, but that does not mean they are not fearful of the consequences of missed assignments or irresponsibility. She knows how to keep the classroom strict, organized, and fun at the same time. She also taught me to find something to smile about in every situation. She once said, ““The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”” I use what I learned from her even today.”
Mary Jones, Hanover County
“Ms. Mary"as Mary Jones is known to her students, is a fantastic leader and guide for the children at Three Oaks Montessori School in Mechanicsville. The new little school has blossomed under her tutelage, where she works with children ages 2.5 to 6. Preschool should be an exciting time of exploration, but at Three Oaks, it’s not just exploration that Ms. Mary teaches - she focuses on infusing the classroom with beauty, serenity, science and culture, and, most of all, fun. She teaches lessons well beyond the preschool curriculum such as grace and courtesy, care for our environment and love of nature. Personally, I have seen an amazing impact on my daughter, who attends the school. My three year old has blossomed immeasurably with language (she’s working on letter phonics), math, geography (she can name the continents and point them out on a map!) and, most importantly, in her interactions with others. Mary is an AMAZING teacher, and deserves more recognition that she gets!!”
Becky Liggitt, Chesterfield County
Mrs. Liggitt is currently our son’s 3rd grade teacher. Her warm smile instantly makes one feel welcome. She is ALWAYS professional, respectful and willing to help in any way to help her students succeed. In addition to her great character, she has the gift to teach. Our son has made great progress this year with Mrs. Liggitt as his teacher. We feel very blessed to have her as his teacher and he feels the same way!”
Linda Livingston, Henrico County
Linda Livingston is the most patient, kind and loving teacher. She makes the Kindergartners feel loved and welcome the instant they walk through the door. She is also extremely good at accommodating the different levels of learning within the classroom. Not only is she wonderful with the students but she is equally as good with the parents. She responds promptly and positively to any questions I have had. Our daughter was so scared of starting school but very quickly grew to love it and I know that is because of the amazing Mrs. Livingston. Please vote for her because of her love, support and dedication to the children.
Vicki Long, Chesterfield County
I would like to nominate Vicki Long from St. Edward-Epiphany school because she made both of my children love MATH! More than that she has taught 4th grade at SEES for many years & her hard work & dedication is just amazing. She prepares children for middle school and the added stress and responsibilities that will be expected of them. She is fair but firm & is loved by kids & parents. My daughter in 8th grade & my son in 6th grade both consider her to be the BEST teacher they have ever had. When asked why they both explain how she encouraged them to grow & learn at their own pace all the while gently pushing them to spread their wings & love themselves. She is a wonderful mom, wife & friend. I just think Vicki is one of the most modest & humble people I have ever met. She helped me as a parent become more patient & understand my own kids.
Christina Neiswander, Chesterfield County
Christina Neiswander is by far the best teacher in not only Richmond but beyond. Christina has an uncanny way of making every person in her presence feel like they are special, unique, and important. The attention that is given to Christina’s students is far from everyday or average. “Exceptional” doesn’t even seem to quite cover it either. The only way to really get a glimpse of just how wonderful Christina is, is to see the children in her presence blossom and grow. Her individual care and attention to each child’s needs is a unique ability that is not had by all. Even those who have not had the privilege of her as a teacher say just how much she is appreciated and wish that they too, had the opportunity to have one day, let alone an entire school year, to have their child enriched by such a special person. Someone like Christina Neiswander is unique. She is a wonderful mother, wife, friend and teacher and I feel that we are truly blessed to have her in my child’s life.
Andy Pittard, Chesterfield County
Mr. Pittard does a wonderful job with the kids; he is patient, constantly upbeat and displays a positive attitude, and, is a skilled musician himself. This all adds up to a band teacher that really motivates the kids to be their best, and his students always shine on concert day. In addition to his work at Robious Middle School, Mr. Pittard is also active with instructing other musical groups locally, fueled by his passion for music. Last, but certainly not least, Mr. Pittard is an active member of the U.S. Army Reserve, and regularly performs with their Army band. At this point you probably think that Mr. Pittard is some kind of super man, and that is exactly correct. We’re blessed with many wonderful teachers, but Andy Pittard stands out among them.
Weston Reeves, Chesterfield County
Weston is a new teacher in the Richmond area. He works hard to identify with the kids using modern examples, instead of lecturing. He makes himself available before and after school. He constantly pushes kids to succeed and to work beyond his or her potential. He has so much motivation and will continually be a great mentor to kids for years to come.
Josh Roy, Richmond City
Josh Roy is the Science teacher for the middle school students in grades 6 and 7. His lesson plans flow like from activity to activity like a symphony of music. He approaches his profession with purpose and takes his job seriously. He never raises his voice but controls his classroom with quiet looks, and models the behavior he expects for his class. He is respected by students and teachers alike. Josh does not back away from counseling the tough issues and will speak the truth with kindness. Josh juggles many responsibilities in addition to teaching science, such as being Department Chair for the Elective program, golf club organizer and academic advisor to students and leader in our middle school. He is a great mentor for new teachers and can define an area of opportunity with surgical skill. He takes on the challenge of teaching a rigorous college preperatory curriculum to our dyslexic students with gusto. He is the perfect example of the ideal teacher and deserves this.
Nykea Samuels, Henrico County
She is a well educated young women who love the kids. She chose a profession that she has a passion for and takes great pride in what she does.
Earl Shaffer, Chesterfield County
Mr. Shaffer (band director) deserves this award more than any other teacher that I’ve ever had and is the best in the Richmond area. Mr. Shaffer spends many hours after school each week to ensure the success of the Cosby Titan Band. This includes weekly rehearsals, extra help, and testing. Life kills are one of the biggest things he teaches. Here are a few of his famous quotes: “You get what you work for, not what you wish for, take care of the little things and the big things take care of themselves, raise the bar, success is not an accident, and being early is being on time, being on time is being late, and being late is unacceptable.” He is also sure to promote the program. Many other band directors don’t work hard at promoting their concerts. Mr. Shaffer however goes all out. He contacts the press and publishes fliers. Though very challenging, he creates something that people want to be involved in. He has the perfect blend of niceness, strictness, and encouragement.
Catherine Shevenock
My daughter has been lucky to have Mrs.Shevenock for the past 2 yrs(looping).Her teaching style provides a safe,secure & loving atmosphere. At dinner,my daughter is excited to share what she learned at school whether it’s the book she read,math problems or art creation.Mrs.Shevenock shares more than just book facts w/ her students;she teaches them the character & personal value & brings history alive.Her words of encouragement,personal testimonials & ongoing support made it easy for mother & daughter to transition to Kindergarten in year 1,while also noticing a reduced apprehension at starting a second year.Good teachers don’t just close their doors at the end of the day & leave their job behind,most nights you will find Mrs. Shevenock at school participating in and out of the classroom as a teacher,parent and a very active PTA member.It is always a good sign when a child reminds their parents to go to school.Fingers crossed,daughter #2 will be lucky to have & be loved by Mrs. Shevenock.
Holly Silber, Henrico County
Ms. Silber takes such good care of her class. She provides lunches daily for hungry children who can’t get enough to eat at school or at home. Students feel safe and loved in her room. They can learn and make wonderful academic progress. She works long hours to provide a caring learning environment for her students. Teachers who work in Title 1 schools usually don’t have strong parental involvement and often do not receive much recognition for their hard work and dedication. Ms. Silber gives of herself, tirelessly, and with a smile.
Renee Smith, Richmond City
Ms.Smith is a great teacher, she breaks down the work so i you may get a good understanding of the work. To me she is like a mother figure. She’s there for me when I need her the most. Thats why I’m nominating Ms.Renee Smith
Keri Treadway, Richmond City
Mrs. Treadway is the quintessential kindergarten teacher. She’s wanted to be a teacher ever since her own first grade teacher inspired her, and now I’m sure that Mrs. Treadway is lighting the lamp of learning for so many young children in her own classroom. She is highly involved on numerous committees and is an advocate for the developmentally appropriate needs of her kindergartners. She skillfully balances classroom management and develops a classroom community where learning can actively take place and all students feel welcome to share their thoughts and questions.
Jennie Trovinger, Henrico County
My wife has been an educator for about 35 years now. She had her own business for about 7 years as a early childhood consultant and trainer. She then decided that she really wanted to go back in the classroom and be with the children. She loves her pre-kindergarten children so much that she wants to move up to kindergarten with them next year. She has bought shoes and boots for one of her children. She continually buys books for the children to take home. Also she is always spending money on resources for her classroom. I believe she is very worthy of this honor.
Tammy Wallace, Henrico County
I like Mrs. Wallace because she is the best—-and plus she’s my mother.
Maggie Walsh, Henrico County
Maggie Walsh exemplifies service and dedication in the field of education. Her special education class presents her with new challenges every day, the kind that most of us will never have to face in life. Maggie,however, meets these challenges everyday, in an upbeat and positive manner. We could probably all learn something from her devotion to having a bright outlook. Her classroom is a place of hope and encouragement for children who face enormous challenges. It is this very hope and encouragement Maggie offers that is more important than any lesson that could be taught out of a book. By providing these exceptional children with a strong foundation of life skills, she is constantly reinforcing the belief that they can live and love the life that they decide to live. Her students will never forget all she has done for them - how she has coached and encouraged them. Because of her, they can truly break the bonds of any label and succeed.
Dawn Watson, Louisa County
Dawn earned her Masters Degree right here in Richmond at VCU. She was hired to teach second grade in Louisa County at Jouett Elementary. Dawn is at work everyday ready to teach and grow relationships with each of her students. She works late everyday, usually two- three hours past the end of the school day, to make sure everything is ready for the days to come. In her first year Dawn has truly given her class everything she has. She loves her job and definitely deserves to be Richmond’s Top Teacher!
Kim West, Henrico County 2 nominations
My dear friend Kim feels that her #1 responsibility is to ensure a safe & nurturing environment where all students have the ability to learn. It is also very important to her that her 3rd grade students really enjoy school and have fun every day. She is focused on the children and fostering a love for learning that will make them successful throughout their educations and lives. I am so proud of my friend and the great teacher that she has become! Kim truly cares about each and every one of her kids. She once told me that ““Making a difference in the lives of the kids is very important to me. I love those teachable moments and the times when the kids get so excited about learning. I feel that great teachers like Kim who work hard every day to better the lives of our children should be rewarded for their hard work! For that reason, I would like to nominate Kim West for the Top Teacher award.
My dear friend Kim West is a great teacher! She feels that her #1 responsibility is to ensure a safe & nurturing environment where all students have the ability to learn. She also said that her personal goal is to ensure that her 3rd grade students really enjoy school and have fun everyday. She is focused on the children themselves and fostering a love for learning that will build a strong foundation to make them successful. I am so proud of my friend and the great teacher that she has become. Kim is motivated to do this because she truly cares about her students. In her words, “Making a difference in the lives of the kids is very important to me. I love those teachable moments and when the kids get so excited about learning and have those light bulb moments when they finally “get it.” Great teachers like Kim who work hard every day to better the lives of our children should be rewarded for their hard work! So, please vote for Kim West for the Top Teacher award.
Linda Willis, Henrico County
Mrs. Willis is a preschool teacher at Grace Covenant Community School, in addition to being its Director. She taught preschool for 10 years with First Baptist Church’s preschool program, before becoming Assistant Director for three years. After that, she decided to set out on her own and start her own preschool and afterschool program focused on diversity and enrichment for all children. She has never turned down a child for her program due to their inability to pay, and she works out financial arrangements with every parent to ensure that their child will be able to attend. Her preschool offers a Bible study program modeled after Montessori techniques, and a volunteer French teacher gives French lessons to her students. The enrichment is augmented by visits to the public library next door for storytime and crafts. When she was in her 50’s, Mrs. Willis decided to go “back to school” and obtained her Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. She is truly an amazing teacher!
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Rebecca Wood, Henrico County 11 nominations
She is so nice. She goes out of her way to help you and make you sure you are doing good.
She’s a very sweet teacher and kind. I can always trust her with anything such as a problem or advice. She relates to me more than any other teacher I have ever seen. She deserves this more than anyone out there she’s such an awesome person.
Very helpful loves to teach and loves their job.
SHE IS AWESOMENESS.
Because she is a great person and teacher and she deserves to be recognize for the work that she does for us.
Because she is nice and she wants to just to help everyone she comes in contact with, she is a silly and carefree person.
She’s the coolest person in the inter school. She inspires confidence shes easy to talk to, she helps when she can and makes every effort to teach others and i gerinte that youll never meet anyone the do half of what she deals with in one day. She is helping kids move on past high school
I am one lucky lady. I get to wake up every morning and do what I love to do. I get to teach young people. It is both my pleasure and my honor to be able to work with the exceptional education students of Varina High School. In my eight years of teaching at Varina there have been countless memorable moments, snapshots frozen in time that will leave a lasting imprint on my heart. Every time that a student comes back to visit after graduation and says thank you, or when I get invited to a wedding, a baby shower, or a baptism my heart swells with pride, because in those moments I know I made a positive impact in the life of a child.
I love being a teacher, and going to work every day knowing that I will make an impact, big or small, to change the life of a child. I get to do the last bit of shaping before they go out into the “real world.”
Because she always has a smile on her face, even when trouble making kids come into the class she always has a positive attitude. She also goes the extra mile and actually tries to help us get ready for life on the outside world. She literally gives us grades for filling out college applications.
Mrs. Woods is a caring kind thoughtful teacher who always has a smile on her face while having positive outlooks on people and positive things to say. She’s a awesome mother and she will continue being a awesome mother and wife. She’s more worthy to get the award then most teachers I know.
Margaret Wright, Henrico County
She is by far the best PreK teacher in Richmond. Her parents love her and the kids in her class excel in all areas for kindergarten readiness. She personally rewards each child with special treats from Mc Donalds, Chick fil A, etc. she always displays documentation of learning for her parents with pictures and stories. She has worked at La Petite Academy for the past 3 years while pursuing her Masters in Education. Pride in academic achievement and her caring spirit makes her a Top Notch teacher in a field that is ever changing.
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