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From the VDOE Website

VATOY is a proud partner with the Roanoke College Department of Education.

Margaret A. "Meg" Smith, an eighth-grade English literature teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation in Lynchburg, was named the 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year Friday evening in Richmond. Smith was selected from the eight Virginia 2012 Regional Teachers of the Year announced in September. She will be the commonwealth’s nominee in the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Teacher of the Year program.

Through the school’s "Writing Blitz" initiative, Smith encourages students to submit their writing for publishing and other recognition opportunities. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of William and Mary, master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership from Lynchburg College.

"Meg Smith is a beacon of excellence," said Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright. "Her commitment and her passion for what she teaches is a shining example of the difference a teacher can make in the lives of students every day."

Smith has spent her entire 18-year teaching career at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School. She currently serves as English Department chair, co-leader for the eighth-grade unit, leader of the "Achievement Period" committee, participant in the school’s "iPods in Instruction" grant and member of the gifted advisory committee.