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Goochland announces 5 teachers of the year

Since 1964, Virginia has participated in the national teacher of the year program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Each year, Goochland nominates one teacher to represent our division, from among the five teachers chosen from each school.

We’re proud of the five individuals you will read about below. They represent this year’s school-based teachers of the year for Goochland. One will be selected to represent Goochland on June 8, 2010, at the school board meeting that evening. Teachers of the year are great educators, who live up to the following criteria:

• they have a concern for individual students and an ability to inspire learning,
• they are able and willing to work cooperatively with fellow professionals,
• they work effectively with the community,
• they keep abreast of current educational theories and practices,
• and they help create and implement innovative educational practices.

Andrea Cachina,
Goochland Elementary School

Andrea has been with Goochland County since 2002. She currently teaches 2nd grade at Goochland Elementary. Among other highlights, she has served as a mentor to new teachers and has been a mini-conference presenter. She especially enjoys attending community and school activities with her son and husband.

“Being a teacher is the most rewarding job a person can have. Being a mother myself, I realize how important it is to have your child’s teacher be a loving, happy, and positive role model… I want all of my students to love school and learning.”

Henry Jones,
Goochland High School

The former 401(k) coordinator for Reynolds Metals Company began teaching math in Goochland in 2002. He currently teaches Algebra I and II and achieved a 100% SOL pass rate last year in Algebra I. He has coached Cross Country and Outdoor and Indoor Track for the past eight years and was named James River District Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2008.

“I can only think that the greatest commitment I can give to my community is offering my time and heart to its children. It is the reason I reside—and will remain—in Goochland County.”

Amy Spoonhower,
Goochland Middle School

Amy joined the teaching staff in Goochland in 2003, after spending four years teaching with the Hanover Schools. She currently teaches 8th and 9th grade Physical and Earth Science. She also serves as a technology mentor, chairperson of the middle school science department, and is a participant in the National Energy Education Development Project.

“My teaching is designed to address the multiple intelligences my students possess. When I realized that my mixture of intelligences would afford me the creativity to generate learning experiences where all students would not only feel intelligent but also BE intelligent, I knew that this was my career, my passion, and my true calling.”

Kim Watts,
Byrd Elementary School

Kim began teaching music in 1986 and became the music teacher and choral director for Byrd and Goochland Elementary schools in 2006. She was Teacher of the Year at St. Benedict Catholic School in 1997 and published a children’s song in 2001.

"I believe that music is an excellent vehicle for acquiring and retaining new knowledge. Curriculum can be beautifully enriched through music and can offer deeper learning experiences to our students. My greatest influence in being a teacher is simply the children. I believe in their abilities and I marvel at their growth. It is the children who inspire and renew me as we work together in sharing music."

Heather Wilckens,
Randolph Elementary School

Heather began teaching in 1991 and joined us in Goochland in 2005. She currently teaches 1st grade at Randolph Elementary, where she is known for innovative instruction with her Promethean board and excellent communication with her blog. She was Teacher of the Year at Mechanicsville Elementary School in 1997.

“I once read 'There is music in all hearts. If we listen, we can hear each other's song.' As a teacher, it is my job to find the song that creates a love for learning for each of my students. I love the children I work with and they inspire me to become a better teacher year after year.”

Meet our 2010 teachers of the year at the June 8 school board meeting, beginning at 7 PM. Congratulations to each of you!