SPCS graduates win 2018-2019 teacher of the year awards from local schools
By Julia Straka, ’21
Eight SPCS education program graduates and two current students have recently been recognized for their excellence in teaching at local Richmond schools.
Some of the award winners are graduates of the Teacher Licensure Program, now the Master of Teaching, which prepares students to earn Virginia Department of Education teaching licensure in either elementary or secondary education and become quality teachers.
This program is specifically targeted towards those looking for a career switch. “The program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than education, but want to learn the skills to become an effective classroom teacher,” said Dr. Laura Kuti, Assistant Chair of Teacher Education and an assistant professor in SPCS.
Four Teacher Licensure Program students were named “First Year Teacher of the Year” by Henrico County Public Schools:
- Erin Bonilla, GC’ 18, earth and space science teacher at Moody Middle School
- Aline Dolan, GC’18, history teacher at Pocahontas Middle School
- Yael Fletcher, GC’18, kindergarten teacher at Maude Trevvett Elementary School
- Hannah Dunn, current SPCS student and science teacher at Holman Middle School
The Master in Education in Curriculum and Instruction program, for those who have already earned a teaching license, cultivates teachers’ skills further by examining instructional leadership, assessment and evaluation, development of engaging curriculum, accommodation of a variety of learning styles and other issues within the field.
Henrico Public Schools also awarded two graduates of the M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program in the 2018-19 school year, and one graduate was a finalist in the Chesterfield County Public School system:
- Amalia Herashchanka, ’14 and GC’18, science teacher at Hungary Creek Middle School, as Teacher of the Year
- Justin Bartlett, GC’19, third grade teacher at George F. Baker Elementary School, as First Year Teacher of the Year
- Lindsey Castle, GC’18, special education teacher at Bon Air Elementary School, was a Teacher of the Year finalist
The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program aims to prepare current educators to transition to administrative or supervisory roles, within both public and private schools. All core leadership courses are reinforced with practicums, which help “make sure most well-prepared, knowledgeable, ethical leaders are in schools,” said the assistant program chair, Dr. Kate Cassada.
Graduates of this program recognized by their employers this academic year include:
- Padraic Hampton, GC’ 18, Teacher of the Year nominee from Swansboro Elementary School
- Sharon Middleton, GC’16, a Henrico County Teacher of the Year finalist from Skipwith Elementary School
- Lashema Milner, GC’ 16, Teacher of the Year nominee from Linwood Holton Elementary School
- Kristen Callan, current student, Wellness Integration Specialist and Teacher of the Year at Harrowgate Elementary School
Dr. Tom Shields, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Chair of Graduate Education and Associate Professor of Education, believes the number of SPCS education program graduates receiving awards speaks not only to the value of the programs and their professors, but also to the excellence of their students.
“The large number of Teacher of the Year awards for our graduates shows the strength and rigor of our graduate programs in Teacher Education,” he claimed.
Shields continued, “I also believe it is a testament to the quality and expertise of our faculty — both full-time and adjuncts — who are foundational for these programs.”
Addressing the quality of graduates from University of Richmond education programs, Shields said, “All of our programs in Graduate Education have consistently attracted and produced top candidates who are excelling in teaching and leading in public and private schools.”
We are proud of the excellent work our graduates are doing in Richmond-area schools.