Educator Recognition
Virginia Teacher of the Year Program
All public and accredited nonpublic schools are invited to participate in the 2025 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Program. This award honors teachers who represent the best in teaching in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the nation. Since 1964, Virginia has participated in the National Teacher of the Year Program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). In 2006, Virginia’s Teacher of the Year Program was renamed in honor of the 1989 Virginia and National Teacher of the Year, Dr. Mary V. Bicouvaris.
- Teacher of the Year Qualifications & Criteria
- 2026 Teacher of the Year Application
- 2025 Teacher of the Year & Past Recipients
The Milken Family Foundation Educator Awards Program
The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards are designed to reward elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and administrators who promote excellence and innovation in public education.
In March 2024, two Virginia educators have been recognized as recipients of the Milken Educator Award and honored for their dedication to education and the impact they have in their classrooms and communities. Travis Dodds, a science teacher at Hanover County’s Atlee High School, and Eva Irwin, an English teacher at Alexandria’s Alexandria City High School, were presented with the award at surprise assemblies at their schools. Read the March 19, 2024, news release, to learn more.
Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award
Established by Congress in 2019, the RISE Award spotlights classified school employees’ outstanding contributions to quality PreK-12 education in the United States. Classified school employees include paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades professionals. The VDOE selects two nominees who showcase excellence in the following areas:
- Work performance
- School and community involvement
- Leadership and commitment
- Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work)
- Enhancement of classified school employees' image in the community and school