College of Education and Human Development

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Teacher Honorees Include Alums and Graduate Students from George Mason University’s School of Education

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) recently held an awards ceremony in recognition of the exemplary performance shown by a select group of educators that include George Mason University School of Education alums and graduate students who are now teachers. The “FCPS Honors” event was held the evening of June 12, 2024, at George Mason’s Center for the Arts located on the university’s Fairfax, Virginia campus. Presiding over the festivities was Michelle Reid, Division Superintendent at FCPS.

Among the presentations was the FCPS “Outstanding New Teacher” award, given to an elementary and a secondary school teacher, respectively, within their first three years of teaching who demonstrated superior performance and instructional skills. The awards celebrate the excellence of these teachers in achieving successful academic outcomes for their students. Other categories include the “Outstanding Elementary Teacher” and “Outstanding Secondary Teacher” awards. These are given to elementary and secondary teachers who exhibit dedication, commitment, and the ability to propel students to success by instilling in them a love of learning. Award recipients must meet students’ individual needs, foster talent, and nurture cooperative relationships with colleagues and the community.

The following are the individuals from the School of Education, listed by award category, who were recognized during the FCPS event.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School New Teacher Award

Finalists (these individuals also received recognition at the school level in this category):

• Kylee Marciello, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Cameron Elementary School (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Ariana Gallahan-Zarate, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Fairhill Elementary School (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Gunjan Agrawal Sapkota, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Willow Springs Elementary School

School level recognition:

• Malik Wyatt, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Bailey's Upper Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences
• Joann Chae, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Braddock Elementary School
• Cody Boehm, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Chesterbrook Elementary School
• Jessie Eunsook Ji, Third Grade Korean Immersion Teacher, Colin Powell Elementary School (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Sevval Yeter, Fifth Grade Teacher, Cub Run Elementary School
• Federicka Algarme, Fourth Grade Teacher, Daniels Run Elementary School
• Cedric Price, Fourth Grade Teacher, Dogwood Elementary School
• Kayla Mejias, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Dranesville Elementary School
• Samantha Thomas, Fifth Grade Teacher, Fairview Elementary School
• Catherine Faust, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Flint Hill Elementary School
• Annie Nielsen, Multiple Disabities Teacher, Hunt Valley Elementary School
• Jordan Joyce, Fifth Grade Teacher, Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts & Sciences
• Sunhyo Kim, Preschool Autism Teacher, Lynbrook Elementary School
• Tricia Murphy, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Mantua Elementary School (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Mallorie Morris, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Marshall Road Elementary School (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Samantha Lowe, First Grade Teacher, Oak Hill Elementary School
• Rachel Cameron, Fifth Grade Teacher, Olde Creek Elementary School
• Elsy Arias, Second Grade Teacher, Ravensworth Elementary School
• Megan West, Second Grade Teacher, Virginia Run Elementary School
• Samuel Pubal, Sixth Grade Teacher, Westgate Elementary School (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Jasmine Cuevas, Fourth Grade Teacher, Westlawn Elementary School

2024 Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award

School level recognition:

• Neerja Rai, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Centreville Elementary School
• Jennifer Parise, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Terra Centre Elementary School

2024 Outstanding Secondary School New Teacher Award

School level recognition:

• Ashley Guillie, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Franklin Middle School
• Amanda Simpson, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Holmes Middle School
• Mallory Strawther, Severe Disabilities Teacher, Key Center (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Tatiana Le, Learning Disabilities Teacher, McLean High School
• Margaret Larkin, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Oakton High School
• David Quinn, Learning Disabilities Teacher (MS), Robinson Secondary School (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Jayme Cole, Multiple Disabilities Teacher, Woodson High School

2024 Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award

Award Winner (also received recognition at the school level):

• Madison McKenna, Severe Disabilities Teacher, West Springfield High School (FCPS school pyramid)

Finalists (these individuals also received recognition at the school level in this category):

• Amber Ucekay, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Lewis High School (FCPS school pyramid winner)
• Colleen Nolan, Intellectual Disabilities Teacher, Marshall High School (FCPS school pyramid winner)

School level recognition:

• George Paz, Learning Disabilities Teacher, Thoreau Middle School

Non-school Based Professional Employee Award

FCPS also honored non-school based professional employees during its ceremony. Among those recognized was George Mason alum Nicole Warwick, program manager of hearing and vision services at the FCPS Willow Oaks Administrative Center, Special Services.

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) community extends its congratulations to the individuals named here for their well-deserved recognition. Their skills and talents play a crucial role in guiding the students in Fairfax County Public Schools to academic success. The achievements of these individuals reflect the excellent teaching preparation provided by the dedicated and renowned faculty in the Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education programs at George Mason’s School of Education.

A video and program of the FCPS Honors ceremony may be accessed here.