Congratulations to the Winchester Public Schools 2022 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Katie Lamb!
Check out what Katie’s students and colleagues had to say about her on the Winchester Public Schools Facebook page. You do NOT want to miss the end!
Ms. Lamb is currently a third grade teacher at Garland R. Quarles Elementary School (GQES) where she has been a successful teacher in first, second, and third grade over the past ten years. Ms. Lamb was described by Principal Joanie Hovatter as an “ALL IN” teacher who knows how to create a classroom that embraces excellence:
Ms. Lamb creates a dynamic transformation in her class’s learning environment through consistently focusing on the needs and best interests of each individual child. She is exceptionally skilled at recognizing, building, and maintaining strong relationships with students and families, especially at GQES, a high poverty elementary school.
Ms. Lamb is known for her special talents like doing backflips with students on the playground and inspiring students to read with her enthusiasm for Dr. Seuss. As a leader, Ms. Lamb seeks opportunities to best reach students through collaboration, communication, and collective efficacy. Katie is also recognized as a “go-to” teacher when others are seeking advice, lesson-planning ideas, and encouragement when dealing with challenging situations. She acknowledges and values her colleagues and is delighted to celebrate her students’ growth.
Katie received her Bachelor’s degree from Mary Baldwin College and her Master’s degree from Shenandoah University. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Ms. Lamb is also endorsed and licensed as a Reading Specialist and English Language Learner (ELL) instructor. Katie is a WPS graduate and lives in Winchester with her husband, Drew, and sons Jake (3 years old) and Logan (4 months old).
Congratulations to Katie as well as the outstanding teachers recognized at each school:
2022 Teachers of the Year:
Patricia Acuña (FDES)
Emily Headley (DMIS)
Rita Peters (VACDES)
Nicole Shimek (JKES)
Katie Lamb (GQES)
J.C. Quinn (DMMS)
Connie Banton (JHHS)
About Teacher of the Year:
Winchester Public Schools began selecting a Teacher of the Year in 2006. Each school within the Division selects a Teacher of the Year who is then nominated by their Principal for the Division-wide Teacher of the Year. Teachers who are chosen must submit a narrative that includes their philosophy of teaching and do an in-person interview with the Division's selection committee. The selection committee includes a member of the School Board, the Executive Director of Instruction, Director of Human Resources, Equity and Family Empowerment Coordinator, a Parent Liaison, and the current Teacher of the Year.
Once the Winchester Public Schools Teacher of the Year is selected, they are then nominated for recognition as the Virginia Teacher of the Year through the Virginia Department of Education. The Virginia Teacher of the Year is selected from the eight regional teachers of the year.
