Educator Recognition
Virginia Teacher of the Year Program
All public and accredited nonpublic schools are invited to participate in the 2025 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Program. This award honors teachers who represent the best in teaching in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the nation. Since 1964, Virginia has participated in the National Teacher of the Year Program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). In 2006, Virginia’s Teacher of the Year Program was renamed in honor of the 1989 Virginia and National Teacher of the Year, Dr. Mary V. Bicouvaris.
The Milken Family Foundation Educator Awards Program
The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards are designed to reward elementary and secondary school teachers, principals and administrators who promote excellence and innovation in public education.
In March 2024, two Virginia educators have been recognized as recipients of the Milken Educator Award and honored for their dedication to education and the impact they have in their classrooms and communities. Travis Dodds, a science teacher at Hanover County’s Atlee High School, and Eva Irwin, an English teacher at Alexandria’s Alexandria City High School, were presented with the award at surprise assemblies at their schools.
Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award
Established by Congress in 2019, the RISE Award spotlights classified school employees’ outstanding contributions to quality PreK-12 education in the United States. Classified school employees include paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades professionals. The VDOE selects two nominees who showcase excellence in the following areas:
- Work performance
- School and community involvement
- Leadership and commitment
- Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work)
- Enhancement of classified school employees' image in the community and school
Each school division may submit one candidate to be considered for this recognition. Submit your nominees using the SMApply online application for the Virginia RISE Awards by October 15, 2025, by 4 p.m. EST. Virginia will select and celebrate two RISE Award recipients announced mid-winter. These two candidates will then be considered at the national level for the U.S. Department of Education RISE Award. Submit questions to teacheroftheyear@doe.virginia.gov.
- Sample application (PDF)
Read more about the 2025 National RISE Award winner including Virginia’s Jimmy Horton who was selected as a national finalist! Read more about RISE and recent winners from VDOE.
Principal of Distinction Program 2025
In partnership with the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals and the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, VDOE recognizes the work of our state’s highly accomplished principals. In Section 8VAC20-23-620 (F) of the Virginia Administrative Code, the Virginia Board of Education outlines pathways for a principal to be recognized as a Principal of Distinction.
The Statewide Principals of Distinction program recognizes outstanding principals and supports their professional growth. Selected applicants will demonstrate strong leadership in student achievement, instructional practices, and school culture. Chosen by the Virginia Principals of Distinction Selection Committee, participants will attend a four-day symposium and complete a capstone project over six months. To be eligible for the Principal of Distinction, Level II endorsement in Administration and Supervision PreK–12, a building-level administrator must:
- Have at least five years of experience as a building-level administrator in a public or accredited nonpublic school, and
- Have completed a formal induction program as a principal or assistant principal.
The application window is not open at this time. Please contact Rob Gilstrap at rob.gilstrap@doe.virginia.gov if you have any questions.