Dedicated to Excellence in Education and Improving the Quality of Teaching throughout the Commonwealth
REGION 1
Jamie B. Mullenaux is a fourth-and fifth-grade loop teacher at Mechanicsville Elementary
in Hanover County. A teacher since 2006, she strives to develop a safe learning environment
through projects such as the Anti-Bullying Committee and the Peaceful School Bus
Program. Mullenaux earned both a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and
a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Tech.
REGION 2
Thomas A. Shenk is a physical education teacher at John Tyler Elementary in Portsmouth.
Originally an elementary-classroom teacher in grades three and six, Shenk transitioned
to elementary physical education in 2005. He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary
and early childhood education from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and received
certification in health and physical education from Christopher Newport University
and Tidewater Community College.
REGION 3
Lori G. Askew is a special education teacher at Bowling Green Elementary in Caroline
County. She has transformed her self-contained classroom for intellectually disabled
students into a comfortable learning environment. Askew earned a bachelor’s degree
in administration of justice from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master’s degree
in special education from Regent University, did post-graduate studies in differentiation
at James Madison University and is working toward a doctorate in special education
from Walden University.
REGION 4
Jamie B. Sawatzky is a seventh-grade history teacher at Rocky Run Middle in Fairfax
County. His “Latest Generation Meets the Greatest Generation” project linked his
students with World War II veterans and received a mention in the Congressional Record.
Sawatzky holds a bachelor’s degree in history from LaSalle University and a master’s
degree in curriculum and instruction from George Mason University.
REGION 6
Carol L. Webster is a theater arts instructor at Burton Center for Arts and Technology
and 10th-grade English teacher at William Byrd High in Roanoke County. Utilizing
three Learn and Serve grants, her students have explored diversity, education and
environmental stewardship through theater, communications and hands-on projects.
Webster holds a bachelor’s degree from Roanoke College.
REGION 7
Tiffany D. Carter, a fifth-grade math, science and US History teacher at Bland Elementary
in Bland County. She incorporates a variety of methods and manipulatives in the classroom
to ensure that each student is learning. Carter earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary
education from Bluefield College, post-graduate work at Concord University and at
the University of Virginia at Wise.
REGION 8
Rachel B. Johnson is a Title 1 reading and mathematics teacher at LaCrosse Elementary
in Mecklenburg County. An educator for 26 years, she is passionate about inspiring
her students and finds innovative ways to encourage and motivate them to read. Johnson
holds both a bachelor’s degree in early education and a master’s degree in literacy
and culture from Longwood University.
Meg Smith is an eighth-grade English literature teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle
School for Innovation in Lynchburg (Region 5). 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
Virginia’s 2012 Teacher of the Year
