Virginia Beach Schools Names 2004 Citywide Teacher of the Year Rebecca Gurley, a work and family studies teacher at Lynnhaven Middle School, was today named the citywide 2004 Virginia Beach City Public Schools Teacher of the Year. In a surprise visit during a staff meeting this morning, Superintendent Timothy R. Jenney and Associate Superintendent Sheila S. Magula made the announcement and presented her with an engraved school bell and other congratulatory gifts. Chosen from an initial pool of 87 teachers representing their schools, Gurley was one of five finalists selected to receive classroom visits by the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. According to Chairperson Shea Paisley, all the finalists were outstanding, but Gurley stood out for a number of reasons. "Rebecca Gurley is indeed an inspired teacher." said Paisley. "She is tireless in her efforts to motivate her students and brings out the very best in each one. Her creativity in developing a new and exciting hands-on curriculum has caused an influx of students to choose work and family studies as a much-desired elective course." Gurley is a 12-year veteran teacher and taught at Independence Middle School for several years prior to joining the faculty of Lynnhaven Middle in 1993. Currently, she not only teaches but also serves as work and family studies department head. According to Dr. Kelly, principal of Lynnhaven Middle, "Rebecca Gurley's background and track record in education and her dedication to the students of Lynnhaven and the greater body of students in the division is unmatched. " He adds, "Rebecca is truly an ambassador for public education. Through her classes, she has created numerous partnerships with community members from across the city by allowing students to job-shadow for a day in a field of their choosing. This has helped many community and business leaders see the great things going on in our schools." Gurley has served in numerous leadership roles. She has served on the VBCPS Citywide Middle School Exploratory Courses Committee; acted as the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Students Taking Action for Recognition (STAR) Events State and National Lead Consultant; served on Textbook adoption committees and on numerous Lynnhaven Middle School committees and planning councils. In addition, Gurley has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Lynnhaven Middle School Distinguished Teacher award for 2000-2001, a 2002 Creating Excellence regional award, and many technical and career education awards. Gurley also is a regular presenter at workshops and conferences. Among the workshops and staff development training she has given are Creating Career Portfolios for Technical and Career Education staff development classes; career skills for citywide new teacher training; Total Quality Management, Professional Development Seminars for work and family studies teachers at city- and statewide conferences; as well as numerous computer technology workshops locally. Gurley earned a BS degree from Middle Tennessee State University in1979. Following a 10-year career in fashion merchandising, she returned to college and earned her teaching credentials from Norfolk State University in 1990, followed by a master of science degree in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1997. For more information about the Virginia Beach Schools 2004 Teacher of the Year Program, please call Linda Koutoufas at 757.427-4433. ###

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