News Release No. 125
May 5, 1998

Linda Koutoufas, third grade teacher at Woodstock Elementary School, was recently named the 1999 VBCPS Teacher of the Year. In a surprise visit to her classroom, Superintendent Timothy R. Jenney and Associate Superintendent Michael O'Hara made the announcement and presented her with roses and other congratulatory gifts.

Chosen from an initial pool of 83 teachers representing their schools, Koutoufas was one of seven finalists selected to receive classroom visits by the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. According to Chairperson Margaret Buxton, all the finalists were outstanding, but Koutoufas stood out because of her "ability to work with each student to bring out the child's individual best."

Koutoufas is a 25-year veteran teacher. She came to the Beach in 1973 and first taught at Plaza Elementary School. She has taught at Woodstock Elementary School since 1989. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA.

According to Perry Williams, principal at Woodstock Elementary School, Koutoufas is "a teacher who will forever be remembered by her students as their most favorite. She fills her lessons with energy, enthusiasm, and such excitement that it radiates throughout the classroom."

Koutoufas has served in numerous leadership roles and among many other creations has designed a multifaceted presentation on gender equity for teachers, parents, and students. She has attended and/or led a variety of local, regional, and national workshops and conferences. In addition to her educational endeavors, she is deeply involved with community projects.

Koutoufas' honors and awards are numerous. Among them are her designation of teacher of the year awarded by such organizations as American Association of University Women and Woodstock Elementary's reading association; her award of Woman of the Year from the Virginian Pilot; her Woman of Distinction award from the Girl Scouts; and her PTA Distinguished Service Award.

For more information about the 1999 Teacher of the Year, call Margaret Buxton at (757) 427-4614 or Bonnie Fischer at (757) 427-4320.

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