The recruitment campaign, “Come Teach for Virginia Beach” encourages educators to join the exceptional teachers working with Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS). And, for a group of 50 high school seniors, their recruitment has already begun.
Although this recognition looked different from those of previous years, these high school seniors and aspiring VBCPS teachers received Future Teacher Awards at the June 23 School Board meeting. Each student is offered a contract for employment with the division once they earn a degree through an approved teacher education program and meet all employment requirements.
School Board member Trenace Riggs recognized the students by reading aloud each name as their senior portrait was displayed during the electronic Board meeting.
To qualify for the award, seniors must be enrolled in the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (VTfT) class offered in high schools or in the Early Childhood Education program at the Technical and Career Education Center. The class and program introduce students to the teaching profession and help prepare them for future studies in education.
“While we share in the disappointment of not being able to celebrate these 50 Future Teachers in person, the School Board would like to remind our students just how proud we are of their hard work and determination these last few months,” said Ms. Carolyn Rye, School Board Chair. “Our VTfT students, despite unforeseen challenges and changes, continued to grow, thrive and make a path for their future. We are excited for the college adventure that lies ahead for each of them, which will provide new opportunities for fulfillment of their individual purpose and potential. We look forward to seeing them return to the division in a few years, bringing with them their own unique gifts to share in our classrooms with our students.”
VBCPS has presented Future Teacher Awards to high school seniors since 2008. More information about the VTfT program is available on the Virginia Department of Education website.
Congratulations to all 2020 VTfT contract recipients!
Bayside High School:
Princess-Mary Hann
Alexis Pugh
Alexandra Williams
Frank W. Cox High School:
Christine Baker
Ashlyn Bergethon
Kaya Boyd
Brynn Brazukas
Sarissa Bryant
Greta Hahn
Lexi Hedrick
Emma Lewis
Eric Michals
Kaitlyn Piston
First Colonial High School:
Rebecca Foley
Allison McSweeney
Kaitlin Paasch
Green Run Collegiate:
Kayla Dean
Alyson Gonzalez
Akiva Murphy
Green Run High School:
Amaya Brown-Sinclair
Emilee Kinney
Kellam High School:
McKenna Messerole
Madeline Rollins
Reagan Vaughan
Mackenzie Worster
Tavia Wray
Kempsville High School:
Elena Diaz
Landstown High School:
Emma Jenkins
Lori Salas
Sura Suchak
Ocean Lakes High School:
Analise Gonzalez
Hannah Moore
Andrew Oechsner
Alexis Ridgway
Claire Thilenius
Princess Anne High School:
Madeline Garcia
Alexander Hakim
Sarah Kinka
Salem High School:
Layla Barnes
Callie Graziani
Meghan Holland
Brydgit Lorraine
Robert Nolan
Brittany Smaltz
Peyton Vanbuskirk
Tallwood High School:
Khannia Banks
Gabriella Erestain
Alexandria Reiss
Julia Wasinger
Technical & Career Education Center:
Gabrielle Catanese