Nottoway special education teacher named 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year

May 6, 2026 - 06:23

The teacher, who works at Nottoway High School, was chosen from a pool of regional winners across the state. She has spent over a decade in the classroom, focusing on helping students with diverse learning needs build confidence and academic skills. Colleagues describe her as a tireless advocate who tailors her lessons to meet each student's individual goals, often staying after school to provide extra support.

In her acceptance remarks, she emphasized the importance of seeing potential in every child, regardless of their challenges. She credited her students for inspiring her to innovate and adapt her teaching methods daily. The award comes with a $10,000 prize and a year of professional development opportunities.

State education officials noted that her selection highlights the critical role special educators play in Virginia's schools. She will now represent Virginia in the national Teacher of the Year competition. The school district plans to hold a ceremony in her honor next month.