2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year

Margaret A. "Meg" Smith

Meg Smith is an eighth-grade English literature teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation in Lynchburg (Region 5). Through the school’s Writing Blitz initiative, Smith encourages students to submit their writing for publishing and other recognition opportunities. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of William and Mary, master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership from Lynchburg College.

See news release: Lynchburg 8th-Grade Teacher is 2012 State Teacher of the Year – October 17, 2011

REGION 1
Jamie B. Mullenaux is a fourth-and fifth-grade loop teacher at Mechanicsville Elementary in Hanover County. A teacher since 2006, she strives to develop a safe learning environment through projects such as the Anti-Bullying Committee and the Peaceful School Bus Program. Mullenaux earned both a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Tech.

REGION 2
Thomas A. Shenk is a physical education teacher at John Tyler Elementary in Portsmouth. Originally an elementary-classroom teacher in grades three and six, Shenk transitioned to elementary physical education in 2005. He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and received certification in health and physical education from Christopher Newport University and Tidewater Community College.

REGION 3
Lori G. Askew is a special education teacher at Bowling Green Elementary in Caroline County. She has transformed her self-contained classroom for intellectually disabled students into a comfortable learning environment. Askew earned a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master’s degree in special education from Regent University, did post-graduate studies in differentiation at James Madison University and is working toward a doctorate in special education from Walden University.

REGION 4
Jamie B. Sawatzky is a seventh-grade history teacher at Rocky Run Middle in Fairfax County. His “Latest Generation Meets the Greatest Generation” project linked his students with World War II veterans and received a mention in the Congressional Record. Sawatzky holds a bachelor’s degree in history from LaSalle University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from George Mason University.

REGION 6
Carol L. Webster is a theater arts instructor at Burton Center for Arts and Technology and 10th-grade English teacher at William Byrd High in Roanoke County. Utilizing three Learn and Serve grants, her students have explored diversity, education and environmental stewardship through theater, communications and hands-on projects. Webster holds a bachelor’s degree from Roanoke College.

REGION 7
Tiffany D. Carter, a fifth-grade math, science and US History teacher at Bland Elementary in Bland County. She incorporates a variety of methods and manipulatives in the classroom to ensure that each student is learning. Carter earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bluefield College, post-graduate work at Concord University and at the University of Virginia at Wise.

REGION 8
Rachel B. Johnson is a Title 1 reading and mathematics teacher at LaCrosse Elementary in Mecklenburg County. An educator for 26 years, she is passionate about inspiring her students and finds innovative ways to encourage and motivate them to read. Johnson holds both a bachelor’s degree in early education and a master’s degree in literacy and culture from Longwood University.