Debra Beckham, 8th grade math teacher at New Heights Middle, has 23 years of prior teaching experience and is a new teacher to our district this year. Her principal states, “Mrs. Beckham exemplifies what it truly means to be an EDUCATOR. She gives of herself daily to make sure her students are learning whether it is academically, socially, or emotionally.” Another coworker says, “Mrs. Beckham exemplifies daily dedication, commitment, professionalism, humor, and a genuine love for teaching and children. Sometimes I think she simply has the magic to “love” children into learning!”
Caroline Miles, Principal at Ruby Elementary, will have 16 years of experience at the end of this school year and all of these years were in Chesterfield County. Her previous principal says, “I have worked with Caroline Miles for over 15 years; she is an incredible example and mentor to her fellow teachers. She is an educator in the fullest sense of the word and the essence of what we should aspire to be and do for our students.”
Laura Molinario, Media Specialist at Long Middle, will have 15 years of teaching experience at the end of the school year with 4 of these years as a media specialist in our district. Her principal states, “Ms. Molinario models the importance of life-long learning. She is eager to discuss books, recent educational trends, travel stories, and cultural events with students and staff. She strives to make our Media Center a place that helps our students appreciate the importance of literacy in their everyday life.”
Amy Moser, second grade teacher at Petersburg Primary, is in her 20th year of teaching and all of these have been with Chesterfield County. Her principal states, “Amy Moser is the most active learner I have ever known. She never rests in what she currently knows, but is always questioning and growing her thinking, understanding, and practice. The best teachers are first, foremost, and always learners. Amy is because she wants to be the best she can be for her students.”
Shannon Outlaw, 5th and 6th grade ELA/Social Studies teacher, is employed at Plainview elementary. She has a total of 16 years of teaching experience and all of these have been with Chesterfield County School District. Her principal says, “Mrs. Outlaw teaches students to be readers and writers. She gives her students the opportunities to read and practice the many strategies that she teaches them. She is flexible and is willing to do what it takes to make all her students feel successful in her classroom every day.”
Michael (Rand) Thomas, Agriculture Teacher at Chesterfield High, has a total of 18 years of teaching experience with 5 ½ of these being in Chesterfield County. His principal comments, “Rand does an excellent job keeping our grounds looking great. He has designed several natural areas for the school and all of them are first rate. He has a wonderful rapport with his students and he teaches his subject by modeling the skills expected of each student.”