Salem High School's Lewis Honored as an Outstanding Teacher Joanne Lewis, a social studies teacher at Salem High School, has been selected the 2002 History/Civics Teacher of the Year, an award presented annually by The American Legion Virginia Beach Post 110. The prestigious honor recognizes outstanding contributions to students and to the community. She will be honored during an annual awards ceremony on April 28. She has taught at Salem High since 1989. She now serves as chairperson of the school's Social Studies Department. Prior to her present position, Lewis was assigned to Kellam High (1981-82) and Green Run High (1982-89). Before coming to Virginia Beach City Public Schools, she taught at James E. Mallonee Jr. High in Hopewell from 1975-1981, serving as chairman of the Social Studies Department from 1976-1981. During a 27-year career in public education, Lewis has taught civics, world history, world geography, world cultures, Virginia and U.S. government, and Virginia and U.S. history. She has sponsored on various campuses the student council, cheerleaders, majorettes, dance team, Black Culture Club, the debate team, and the forensic team. She has also presented African American History Month programs, directed and commentated fashion shows, conducted youth workshops/retreats, recited African American poetry, done storytelling, and performed with the Eden Celebration Theater Group of Norfolk. Lewis attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, graduating with a B.S. degree in American History Education. She earned a Master's degree in Education Administration from Old Dominion University. She is an active member in numerous professional associations including the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Teacher Forum Leadership Council, Virginia Beach Education Association, Phi Delta Kappa, the National Social Studies Conference, and Virginia Social Studies Conference. In 1994, Lewis was selected as Salem High School's Teacher of the Year. She was one of five semi-finalists for the citywide title. Among the other numerous honors and recognition earned by Lewis are: 1975 Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges 1987 VSSC Teacher of the Year at Green Run High School 1991 DAR Outstanding American History Teacher at Salem High School 1995 DAR Outstanding American History Teacher at Salem High School 1996 DAR Outstanding American History Teacher for Virginia Beach (Frances Land Chapter) ###