Meet the 2021 Cox Education Heroes

Early mornings, late nights, and lots of extra miles - This is what teachers do in a normal year. Add to the mix the considerations for virtual learning and safety precautions during a pandemic, and it’s fitting now more than ever to call our educators “heroes.”  

 

In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, we set out to find Virginia’s finest teachers. Out of nearly 250 nominations for teachers across the state, Cox employees reviewed and voted to select the top 10 based on how they’ve gone above and beyond for their students.  

 

“It goes without saying these teachers have overcome tremendous obstacles this past year,” said Nneka Chiazor, vice president of public and government affairs for Cox Virginia. “These educators have demonstrated they are more than dedicated to our youth. From starting food pantries in classrooms to hand delivering education packets to students’ mailboxes, to making science labs fun, these teachers represent the best of best.”

 

Congratulations to the following teachers. They’ll each receive $1,000 grant for a classroom makeover. 

 

Besides her palpable love for books, Liz’s superpower is planting seeds of self-worth in children who are overlooked and hurting, then being able to nurture those children so they feel confident enough in themselves to read and write. Liz reminds her students they don’t need to be perfect to be worthy – worthy of friendship, worthy of trying, and most importantly worthy of a quality education.

 

Chris has an extremely big heart and treats every person he meets with kindness and respect. His focus on the environment encourages his students to be better people to each other and the earth. He also engages his students in ways that make them think more about the world around them and realize they are not solitary individuals but part of a bigger universe. He’s an A+ teacher.

 

Marie's superpower is compassion! She doesn't just focus on teaching math, but she teaches the whole child! After realizing that several of her students weren't getting enough to eat at home, Marie set up a food pantry in her classroom. Not only does she keep this pantry stocked with food to offer students during the day...but she supplies them with grocery items and gift cards, so they won't go hungry at home.

 

Mrs. Gray should be chosen as a Cox Education Hero because she deserves recognition for how well she teaches and how much her students trust her. High school is a difficult time for a lot of students, and she makes tremendous efforts to make it a better place. Even though she’s really nice and loving no students take advantage of that because she has connections with every type of group!

 

When COVID hit in 2020, Ms. Gurkin worried about how she was going to reach her students in the best way possible. She created work and manipulative packets and delivered them to mailboxes. She got extra computer monitors so she should be in all three virtual classrooms at the same time. She never hesitates to do anything necessary to help out.

 

I took Ms. Koch's Science Class last semester and it was a lot of fun! I was upset that we weren't able to do any labs, because of the pandemic, but we did virtual experiments and they were almost as fun as the real things! She went above and beyond for us students by making sure we were individually on track for success, and she made sure we were still able to have social time, by putting us in Breakout Rooms.

 

Sherry’s education superpower has got to be ENCOURAGER. She encourages her students to work hard, do their best, and be successful. She loves all of her students as her own and always puts their needs first. She is also an amazing collaborator and support system for the other teachers with whom she works. I am proud to call her my colleague and friend. 

 

Mrs. Mowles has been the only reason we have survived school this past year! Without her unwavering support, patience, knowledge, and compassion we would not have been able to survive the unknown of online and hybrid learning. She has made a difficult transition back to the classroom - which is the cafeteria at this time - a place where my child loves to be. She is simply the best!

 

Not only did Mr. Nonnemacher go above and beyond in years past helping with running club and serving as team leader, but this year he has proven how dedicated he is to our school community. He does an excellent job finding books that students in our lower-income environment will relate to and be interested in, as well as providing hands-on activities that relate to literacy.  

 

I believe her superpower is that all her students feel cared for and wanted. Her cape may be invisible, but her smile is her magic shield. Tara is the kind of teacher that every student deserves. She truly teaches from her heart and does not accept "I can't do it" as an answer. She will find a way to help her students find success.