The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has launched its annual Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Program to select the 2023 Virginia Teacher of the Year and to honor teachers who represent the best in teaching in the state 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. The program is an excellent opportunity to recognize the impact our teachers are making in the lives of our students, families and colleagues.

ACPS invites all teachers to apply to represent our school division in this statewide program. Teachers can nominate themselves or a colleague for consideration as Teacher of the Year. We will begin the process by asking educators to send an email to teacheroftheyear@k12albemarle.org to express their interest or nominate a colleague. To ensure adequate time to complete the application process, please respond by Friday, May 6.

As part of this process, ACPS will also select and formally recognize an Albemarle County Teacher of the Year! Candidates for both the VDOE and ACPS Teacher of the Year should:

• Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve their highest potential;
• Collaborate with colleagues, students and families to create and foster a school culture of respect and success;
• Play an active and innovative role in connecting the classroom and the community to advance engagement and excitement around learning;
• Demonstrate leadership inside and outside the classroom that embodies lifelong learning;
• Possess knowledge about their teaching areas and the education profession with an emphasis on continuing professional development and growth;
• Be able to communicate effectively with and generate support among all audiences; and
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to equity.

Please note that as part of the state application, teachers are asked to submit five narrative essays (each with a maximum length of 500-750 words), including:

• Professional biography that describes the factors that influenced the candidate to become a teacher;
• Philosophy of teaching that describes a project that improved school culture;
• Strategies that connect students to the community;
• Lesson or unit that engages students of all backgrounds and abilities; and
• Perspectives on the most important issues in education today. 

For more information, contact Phil Giaramita at pgiaramita@k12albemarle.org.