Washington County Schools honor building- and division-level Teachers of the Year

The Washington County School Board on Tuesday recognized school-level and division-wide Teachers of the Year from elementary, middle and high schools across the county, awarding plaques, certificates and monetary stipends and praising the honorees’ classroom work.

Superintendent Dr. Perrigan introduced the awards and told the assembled teachers and families that the board and central office appreciate their daily work. “Our students are the best. We have incredible parents that are engaged, and I really truly feel our lifeblood is our people,” Perrigan said, adding that test scores do not capture much of teachers’ everyday work.

The recognitions covered nominees from across elementary, middle and high schools. For each school-level Teacher of the Year the division is providing an engraved apple, a certificate and a $100 gift, Perrigan said; building- or grade-level honorees recognized previously at the Chamber of Commerce also will receive an additional $250 check. The county Teacher of the Year receives a further $150, bringing the total stipend for the county-level honor to $500.

Teachers who accepted the recognitions spoke briefly about classroom relationships and the local school community. Jason Nunley, named Abingdon High School teacher of the year, said he felt supported by school leadership and families: “I have the absolute best job in the county.” Chase Nunley, named Washington County Teacher of the Year, said with a laugh that he and his wife have each won the honor and thanked colleagues for their support: “All I do is pick things up and put them down for a living,” he said.

Board members used the occasion to thank special education staff and veteran teachers. Board member Doctor Frederick singled out special education teachers for going “above and beyond,” and board members generally emphasized the value of teacher retention and local training programs that keep “homegrown” educators in the county.

The board paused after the presentation for photographs of the honorees with trustees. The recognitions were followed later in the meeting by routine business and other agenda items.

Washington County Schools will deliver monetary awards that were not available at the meeting, Perrigan said.

The board made no formal policy changes during the recognition segment.

(Ending) The board’s next regular meeting will continue with budget and program items; the superintendent’s presentation later in the meeting included budget priorities and staffing proposals that will be discussed at the finance committee, Perrigan said.