Holland Elementary’s Shannon Knight isn’t your typical first-grade teacher; she’s a “Super Teacher!” In a surprise announcement at the school today, Knight was honored with the Virginia Lottery Super Teacher Award. Selected from more than 1,000 nominations from across Virginia, Knight was chosen for her unwavering commitment to students, innovative lesson plans, and her targeted parent outreach.
“Ms. Knight values each individual in her classroom,” said Lionel Jackson, principal of Holland Elementary School. “Her lessons are not a ‘one size fits all’ model. She tailors assignments and tasks to best meet the learning styles, strengths, and needs of each student.”
Knight is one of eight “Super Teachers” selected to represent the geographic regions of Virginia. The announcement came at a school assembly attended by Holland faculty and staff, Virginia PTA representatives, Virginia Lottery officials, and Knight’s family. The award, sponsored by the Virginia Lottery, Virginia PTA, and The Supply Room Companies, includes a $2,000 cash prize and an additional $2,000 credit for classroom supplies.
“This is unbelievably amazing,” said Knight. “I teach because I love and support children, certainly not for awards or glory.”
Knight was nominated for the Virginia Lottery Super Teacher Award by a colleague at Holland Elementary. In her nomination, her supervisor Cari Hall highlights Knight’s efforts to strengthen the home and school connection. “In an effort to avoid the inevitable ‘nothing’ when parents ask students what they did in school today, (Knight) sends nightly emails to parents with 4-7 questions they can ask their child about their day,” Hall writes. In addition, “she sends home pictures of the kids in action so the parents are able to see what happens while they are in her class.”
Knight is a six-year veteran with Virginia Beach City Public Schools having taught at Holland Elementary School the entire time. She holds a bachelor of science from Old Dominion University.
For information about the Virginia Lottery’s Super Teacher Award or to learn more about how the lottery helps support public education, visit the Virginia Lottery Web site.
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