Henrico teachers of the year both University of Richmond graduates

During a Henrico County Public Schools ceremony held May 8, 2013, Taylor Snow, C’12, was named the 2013 Gilman Teacher of the Year, and Alexandra Mendez-Zfass, C’13, was named the school division’s First Year Teacher of the Year. Both teachers of the year are graduates of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Snow earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree at the University of Richmond in 2012. Mendez-Zfass received her Master of Education degree in Curricululum and Instruction on Saturday, May 11, 2013, during Commencement Exercises for the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Snow is a social studies teacher at Moody Middle School. Mendez-Zfass is a teacher at Highland Springs Elementary School.

Mendez-Zfass’ principal, Shawnya Tolliver, highlighted Mendez-Zfass’ dedication for teaching in a Henrico County Public Schools press release: “The passion and enthusiasm Alex brings to the classroom are captivating for her students and the adults who have the pleasure of working with her or observing her in action.”

The release also noted Snow’s philosophy for excellence in teaching: “Outstanding teaching does not emanate from exhaustive reading of pedagogical texts or a process-oriented checklist.  Rather, it emerges from a true passion for the act of learning and teaching.”

The Gilman Teacher of the Year process starts at the local school. After an extensive application and review process, five teachers (one from each magisterial district) are nominated for the Gilman Teacher of the Year honor. All five nominees undergo an interview with the panel, and the winner is declared.

The First-Year Teacher of the Year process begins with administrator and faculty nominations followed by an application and essay by the nominee. A committee of six administrators and specialists reviews applications before selecting a winner.

Mendez-Zfass was unable to attend SPCS Night on May 8 as the event coincided with the 2013 Gilman Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony held at Glen Allen High School. Dr. Patrica Amann, program coordinator for curriculum and instruction (C and I) in the School’s education program, proudly shared that she “had a very good excuse to be absent from SPCS Night even though she is graduating from our M.Ed. In C and I program on Saturday.”