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Earlier this month, we turned the spotlight to Cumberland’s Teacher of the Year for 2023, celebrating Emily Overstreet. We want to also celebrate the other candidates from the district, highlighting the work done at each of the schools. 

Each year Cumberland County Public Schools participates in the Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Program to honor teachers who represent the best in teaching in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. Each school selects a School Teacher of the Year.

From this pool, a Division Teacher of the Year is selected. That would be Overstreet, as we mentioned above. 

School Teachers of the Year are nominated by their peers, but must meet a number of criteria. They must inspire the love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities; have a concern for individual students; display the ability and willingness to work cooperatively with fellow professionals; work effectively with the community; remain abreast of current educational theories and practices; is willing and able to make contributions to the field of education and has demonstrated innovative practices initiated by the candidate. 

Katie Irene Pauley was nominated from Cumberland Middle School, Todd Meinhard was named for Cumberland High and the Division Teacher of the Year was the aforementioned Emily Overstreet from Cumberland Elementary. 

Overstreet will now represent the Cumberland District in the State Teacher of the Year competition.