RCPS and REFI Salute our Teachers of the Year

These individuals were selected by their peers and their principals, parents, students, and fellow teachers praised them in the letters of recommendation and documents of support. These letters talk of working and relating directly with each student in a very personal way, instilling a love and excitement of learning, and making a difference in the lives of children. Each deserves our appreciation.

Each individual teacher received a beautifully engraved clock and a $100 award from the Foundation.

The twenty one RCPS Teachers of the Year for 2002-2003 are pictured to the right. They are: Location Teacher Broadway High School Anneke Martin Elkton Elementary School Rebecca Smith Elkton Middle School Linda Ervin Fulks Run Elementary School Donna Mathias J. Frank Hillyard Middle School Catherine Lantz John C. Myers Elementary School Patrice Oliver John Wayland Elementary School Chris Pappas-Simmons Lacey Spring Elementary School Kristin Cosby Linville-Edom Elementary School Becky Pierce Massanutten Technical Center Regina Griffin McGaheysville Elementary School Barbara Palmer Montevideo Middle School Susan Harrison Mountain View Elementary School Margo Jantzi Ottobine Elementary School Kathleen Renalds Peak View Elementary School Dewie Arey Plains Elementary School Becky Martin Pleasant Valley Elementary School Lucinda Swartzentruber South River Elementary School Ka Guinn Spotswood High School Shery McDowell Turner Ashby High School Faye Curl Wilbur S. Pence Middle School Aaron Carriker

Rockingham County Public School candidates for Teacher of the Year are considered based on the following criteria developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers and used in the regional, state, and national selection process:

• Concern for individual students and ability to inspire learning;
• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with fellow professionals;
• Willingness to devote time and energy to activities that result in improved instruction for children;
• Ability to work effectively with the community;
• Desire to keep abreast of current educational theories and practices;
• Ability and willingness to make contributions to the field of education; and
• Examples of innovative practices initiated by the candidate.

The selection process for the recipient of the school Teacher of the Year is by their peers.

Nominations are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Teachers retiring from the profession at the end of the school year are not eligible for the state recognition. The program is open to all teachers who possess a Virginia teaching license, including school librarians, guidance counselors, and reading specialists.