June 15, 2022
The past few school years have been different, difficult, and let’s face it - weird. But that didn’t stop our teachers. Every day, Virginia educators continued to show up for our children.
Why? Because for many of them, teaching is heart work. While navigating all that comes with teaching in this new normal, they’ve proven themselves to be Superheroes, again and again.
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, Cox went on a search to find 10 teachers going above and beyond to support their students.
Out of more than 130 nominations for teachers from across the Commonwealth, we crowned 10 teachers as Cox Education Heroes.
“Educating our youth has never been a 9-5 job. And, today, teachers step into being mentors, cheerleaders, and advocates for their students and families. Our 2022 Cox Education Heroes connect with students in remarkable ways and truly foster environments where our future leaders are thriving.” Nneka Chiazor, vice president of government and public affairs, Cox in Virginia.
Congratulations to the following teachers, who’ll receive $1,000 for updates to their classroom.
Anne Nolan
Head Librarian, Fairfax High School, Fairfax County Public Schools
“My Education Hero goes above and beyond supporting her students because she makes me feel welcome, and comfortable in my school. Every time I ask her for a space to pray in the library because I am Muslim she always has a space for me, she really always makes my day… I can't even fully express how happy she makes me feel, I am very grateful for her, and Ms. Nolan is a wonderful person in our school.”
Camille York-Riddick
Spanish, Granby High School, Norfolk City Public Schools
“My Education Hero, Mrs. Yorke-Riddick… has always seemed to place her students above herself. Mrs. Yorke-Riddick treats all her students like children of her own, Spanish may be showing on your schedule, but you are guaranteed to learn many life lessons as you sit in her classroom. Her smile brightens up the room, lessons will follow you throughout your adult life and you are guaranteed to have someone in your corner.”
Charlotte Frazier
Special Education, Island Creek Elementary School, Fairfax County Public Schools
“Charlotte's superpower is healing through education. She constantly offers her services and support to everyone she interacts with… She created the Best Buddies Program at Island Creek, which fosters friendships between general education and special education students that would never get the opportunity otherwise. She constantly asks herself "what else can I do" or "what do I need to change to make this more accessible".”
Lauren Guzi
Special Education, Fallon Park Elementary School, Roanoke City Public Schools
“Mrs. Guzi teaches 3-5th grade Special Education and she’s perfect for the job. She approaches it as much more than a job and goes above and beyond to show each child individual attention and to encourage them daily. Her education superpower is her kindness and fairness to all of her students and her ability to teach lessons that reach each of the different grades that she has together in one class.”
Jennifer Howell
Second Grade, Deer Park Elementary School, Newport News Public Schools
“Jennifer has been such a blessing in our life. Our daughter was diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic in the summer of 2021. Mrs. Howell has made her transition to going to school so much easier. Mrs. Howell teaches with patience and enthusiasm. Every day, she teaches our children valuable life lessons, and, in her classroom, no child gets left behind. We appreciate how much Mrs. Howell advocated for our daughter, and all of her students.”
Kathleen Mehari
First Grade, Wolftrap Elementary School, Fairfax County Public Schools
“Mrs. Mehari is the type of teacher that breeds positivity. She knows what’s interesting for children & makes learning engaging. My first grader came home one day and said, “Mom, I think I actually like school.” I know that was thanks to Mrs. Mehari. I adore her as my son's teacher, feel heard by her, feel she loves my child, & as an educator myself, am impressed by all she does.”
Katherine Pyatt
First Grade, Bayside Elementary School, Virginia Beach Public Schools
"This is Ms. Pyatt’s third year of teaching & first year of full in-person instruction with her students due to the pandemic. Roughly 60% of her class came from non-English speaking homes. One can imagine how hard it is to try teaching first grade, but then realize you’re trying to teach first graders to read, virtually, in the midst of a global pandemic, & some students cannot even get help with spelling from their guardians & you’re left in awe. She’s the most selfless, caring, devoted, kindhearted, and understanding person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. If we’re discussing education heroes, this is the 1st Grade SuperWoman."
Kevin Deans
Math, Katherine Johnson Middle School, Fairfax County Public Schools
“Math was a cursed 4 letter word for my daughter. By the time she got to Mr. Deans class, she had no confidence. After 3 months of encouragement and specific instruction, she is a different child. She went from an F in math to an A. More than the grade, it was her pride and her confidence that he instilled. I am forever grateful because he took the time to establish a positive relationship with my daughter. If Mr. Deans can teach my resistant daughter to do math, then he can teach any child.”
Megan Canny
Social Studies, Benjamin Syms Middle School, Hampton City Public Schools
“Megan should be a Cox Education hero, because as much as teaching academics is important, helping students survive their environment and become successful people is her main goal. All of Megan’s students know she is a safe place. A place for hugs, encouragement, hard talks, a shoulder to cry on, or come to when they just need someone. I am submitting this nomination because she doesn't brag or tell people the extra miles she goes for these students and is too humble to nominate herself!”
Nicolette McGrath
First/Second Grade, Virginia Beach Friends School
“Nicolette has superpowers beyond measure with all children. They feel loved, appreciated and respected every day in her presence because of the way she helps them push self-doubt from their mind. Watching my daughter’s journey as well as her classmates’ this year has been nothing short of beautiful and endearing. I am so proud of my daughter’s ability to overcome her challenges and I owe all thanks to Nicolette in helping her identify who she is, what her personal strengths are and how to use them to tackle any challenge in life.”
