Teaching in Virginia

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.

Governor Northam’s 2020 Teacher Appreciation Proclamation
Teacher Appreciation Week in Virginia May 3-7, 2021-This is a PDF document. - Superintendent's Memo 115-21
Virginia Lottery: Thank a Teacher

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.

2021 Recipient

Anthony Swann, a fifth-grade teacher at Rocky Mount Elementary in Franklin County, was named the 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year during a virtual recognition ceremony. Swann was selected from the eight regional winners announced last month and is now the commonwealth’s nominee for 2021 National Teacher of the Year.

Past Recipients

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.

2019 Recipient

The 2019 Milken Educator Award recipient is Ryan Sykes, an assistant principal at Carter G. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell City Public Schools.

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

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