Virginia education secretary visits Hampton schools to honor teachers

Virginia's Secretary of Education, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, concluded a weeklong tour of schools across the Commonwealth with visits to Lindsay Middle School, Aberdeen Elementary School and Andrews Pre-K through 8 School in Hampton, where he thanked teachers and staff and presented a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week.

"And so today, we're here to really recognize, our educators and to say to you, we're grateful for you, because we cannot accomplish this work, without your involvement, without your particular strength," the presenter said, urging community collaboration and crediting Hampton for its role in pursuing "academic excellence for every child, every day, whatever it takes."

The reporter on site said Secretary Smith visited classrooms, greeted students and teachers, and personally thanked educators for their daily work. During the stop at Lindsay Middle School, the reporter said, Smith presented a proclamation from Governor Abigail Spanberger recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week.

The presenter added that young people repeatedly told event hosts that their successes and positive experiences were tied to "strong leadership in their school, divisions and strong educators in the classroom who believed in them." The visit was described as part of a statewide effort to celebrate and thank educators during Teacher Appreciation Week.