Eight Teachers in the Running for 2010 Virginia Teacher of the Year
Commonwealth's Top Teacher to be Named Next Month

Eight educators learned of their selection today as 2010 Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year during surprise classroom visits made by their division superintendents.

“The educators recognized today inspire and encourage students every day while challenging them to reach higher and strive for excellence,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright. “These teachers are recognized by their peers and the communities they serve as the best of the best.”

The 2010 Regional Teachers of the Year announced are as follows:

• Carolyn R. Wilkerson, a physical science and geometry teacher at Tomahawk Creek Middle in Chesterfield County (Region 1)
• Marjorie Anne Wallace, a life science teacher at Huntington Middle in Newport News (Region 2)
• Susan L. Catlett, a chemistry teacher at Riverbend High in Spotsylvania County (Region 3)
• Jennifer C.L. Larsen, a first-grade teacher at George Mason Elementary in Alexandria (Region 4)
• Jami N. Key, an Advanced Placement Biology and Earth Science teacher at Liberty High in Bedford County (Region 5)
• Mark L. Ingerson, a history teacher at Salem High in Salem (Region 6)
• Catherine S. Webb, a speech language pathologist and special education teacher at Narrows Elementary/Middle in Giles County (Region 7)
• Carolyn D. Lewis, a third-grade teacher at Amelia County Elementary (Region 8)

The eight teachers were selected from among candidates nominated by their school divisions. The candidates prepared and submitted portfolios highlighting their professional accomplishments, educational philosophies and community activities. A panel, including representatives of professional and educational associations, the business community and 2009 Virginia Teacher of the Year Stephanie A. Doyle of Roanoke reviewed the portfolios and selected the eight regional teachers of the year.

The panel will interview each of the eight Regional Teachers of the Year next month to select the 2010 Virginia Teacher of the Year. The decision will be announced during a celebration in Richmond.

The 2010 Virginia Teacher of the Year will be the commonwealth’s nominee in the National Teacher of the Year Program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers, and sponsored by ING Foundation. Two previous top Virginia teachers — B. Philip Bigler, the 1998 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and Mary V. Bicouvaris, the 1989 Virginia Teacher of the Year — went on to be named National Teacher of the Year.

###

Printable Version in PDF Format