Mary Nazareno of Indian Lakes Elementary School is the 2027 Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) Citywide Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Dr. Donald E. Robertson Jr. made the announcement during a surprise visit on Dec. 18.

“Mary Nazareno embodies the heart of VBCPS – her dedication to relationships, real-world learning and cultural awareness truly lifts every student she serves,” Robertson said. “Her work reflects the collaboration, resiliency and critical thinking we value as a division, and I am proud to recognize her as our citywide Teacher of the Year.”

At the age of 6, Nazareno moved with her family from the Philippines to Virginia Beach. She graduated from the Mathematics and Science Academy at Ocean Lakes High School and earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia. Nazareno began her teaching career in 2019 at Indian Lakes Elementary.

Principal Dexter Warren commended Nazareno’s dedication to students’ learning and for leading her team with organization, vision and empathy. “Ms. Nazareno consistently steps up to challenges, embraces growth through professional development, and leads with dedication by serving as a teacher leader in our building,” he said.

This past year Nazareno helped create a science lab, transforming an empty classroom into a functional space for enhanced instruction. Her students become immersed in real-world learning on "Market Day," when they create a product or service, assuming the roles of both producers and consumers. She has taught a variety of second and third grade students, including inclusion, gifted cluster and English language learners.

“Education brings people together from different backgrounds and walks of life to learn and grow together,” said Nazareno, who is currently the grade-level chair. “Community is everything. It has shaped and supported who I am as an educator. I hope to instill that same importance to my students.”

As the 2027 Citywide Teacher of the Year, Nazareno will receive $1,000 from the Virginia Beach Education Foundation and $1,000 from the VBCPS Department of Teaching and Learning to spend on instructional supplies for her classroom. She will join the city's other Teachers of the Year at a banquet on Jan. 21 at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

From an initial pool of 87 Teachers of the Year, the division's selection committee visited the classrooms of selectees and interviewed finalists to determine Nazareno as the winner. Committee members identified educators who are inspirational to all backgrounds and abilities, exceptionally dedicated and skilled classroom teachers, and highly respected by their students and peers.

The four other finalists were Amber Crunk, art teacher at White Oaks Elementary; Brittany Videll, speech-language pathologist and assistive technology specialist in the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children; Bailee Meekings, special education teacher at Frank W. Cox High; and Melissa Schappell, art teacher at the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High.

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Department of Communications and Community Engagement, vbcpsweb@vbschools.com

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