RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond school leaders have named Christie Rasberry, an exceptional education teacher at William Fox Elementary School, as the Richmond Public Schools’ 2016 Teacher of the Year.
Rasberry was recognized Thursday night during a special award ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Richmond.
Rasberry was among 50 teachers nominated for the honor.
In her nomination package, the educator of 34 years noted, “The most significant factor that influenced the direction that I took was my two cousins who were deaf. I was driven by my desire to help those who were unable to communicate.”
As program sponsor, Wells Fargo provided cash prizes for the top three award recipients and iPad minis for the top 10 finalists.
The first runner-up was Carolyn Doyle, a mathematics teacher at Ginter Park Elementary School. Mary Carll, a Spanish teacher at Open High School, was named second runner-up.
This year’s other top ten finalists include:
- Sandra J. Wittig, Chimborazo Elementary School
- Jennifer A. Escutia, Francis Elementary School
- Takel M. Shavers, Oak Grove Elementary School
- Heidi Parker, Redd Elementary School
- Alison McNew, Reid Elementary School
- Mary Gresham, Richmond Technical Center
- Jill Diefenbach, Swansboro Elementary School
The criteria used to evaluate the nominees include contributions to the field of education, demonstration of innovative practices, effective school-community relations and the use of activities and strategies that result in improved instruction.
