Educator Recognition
Teacher Appreciation Week
Since 1984, the National PTA
and the National Education Assonciation have designated a week in May as a special time to honor and celebrate teachers for the important role they play in the growth and development of our children. Virginia takes great pride in joining with these national organizations to #ThankATeacherVA each year.
Virginia Teacher of the Year Program
All public and accredited nonpublic schools are invited to participate in the Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Program to select the Virginia Teacher of the Year and to honor teachers who represent the best in teaching in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.
The program is open to all teachers in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 who possess a current, renewable Virginia teaching license, including school librarians, school counselors, and reading specialists. Teachers must be employed in a Virginia public or accredited nonpublic school. Candidates should be dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled.
In 2006, the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure named the program in honor of the 1989 Virginia and National Teacher of the Year, Mary V. Bicouvaris.
2023 Teacher of the Year
Fabiana Parker, an English as a second language teacher at Thornburg Middle School in Spotsylvania County, was named the 2023 Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year. Parker was selected as one of the commonwealth’s eight regional teachers of the year and is now Virginia’s nominee for 2022 National Teacher of the Year.
The Milken Family Foundation Educator Awards Program
The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards are designed to reward elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and administrators who promote excellence and innovation in public education.
2021-2022
Although no announcements were made in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two Virginia educators have been designated as 2022 Milken Educators! Ms. Kimberly Collins is an English Teacher at Virginia Beach Middle School and Ms. Taylor Goodson is a third grade teacher at Coventry Elementary School with York County Public Schools.
Note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no announcements were made in 2021; both educators are designated as 2021 Milken Educators
National Teacher Recognition Programs
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.
- August 28, 2018, News Release: Four Teachers Selected as State Finalists for Presidential Math & Science Teaching Awards
- June 28, 2018, News Release: Two Virginia Teachers Earn Presidential Mathematics & Science Teaching Awards
- August 25, 2016, News Release: Four Virginia Teachers Earn Presidential Mathematics & Science Teaching Awards
- October 27, 2017, News Release: Board of Education Recognizes State Finalists For Presidential Math & Science Teaching Award
- July 7, 2015, News Release: Virginia Teachers Receive 2013 Mathematics and Science Honors
- December 20, 2013, News Release: 2012 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
- June 11, 2012, News Release: 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
National History Teacher of the Year Award
2018 Virginia History Teacher of the Year – Rusty Carlock is the 2018 Virginia History Teacher of the Year. Carlock is an eleventh-grade teacher of Virginia and United States History at Albemarle High School in Albemarle County.
- 2018 Virginia History Teacher of the Year – July 17, 2018, News Release
- 2017 Virginia History Teacher of the Year – June 28, 2017, News Release
- 2016 Virginia History Teacher of the Year – June 17, 2016, News Release
- 2015 Virginia History Teacher of the Year – June 17, 2015, News Release
- 2014 Virginia History Teacher of the Year – June 9, 2014, News Release