RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Lucille Brown Middle School exceptional education teacher Jason Kissoon was named 2014 Richmond Teacher of the Year during a reception Thursday night at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Richmond.
Along with the title, Kissoon received $1,000.
Kissoon, who attended Virginia Commonwealth University with the hopes of earning a business-related degree found his calling when he volunteered to tutor students.
“While assisting the students, I realized that owning a business was not my calling anymore,” Kissoon said in a statement provided by the school system. “I had the opportunity to share a gift I did not realize I possessed – the gift of teaching.”
Kissoon went on to earn a teacher certification in exceptional education from Virginia Union University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Richmond.
Woodville Elementary School third-grade teacher Noreen Walsh was named s first runner-up. Walsh established the Woodville chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society. She’s also led efforts to raise $2,200 to support supplies and textbooks for children in Tanzania.
“I strive to teach my students so much more than facts in a book or how to take a test. I strive to instill in them that being a good person and caring for others is important,” she said in a statement provided by the school system.
Miles Jones Elementary School’s Nicole Fleming is this year’s second runner-up. A fourth-grade teacher, Fleming has taught for eight years and has served as both a lead science and reading teacher. “It brings me great pleasure to observe my students attempting new tasks and assignments because they are inspired internally and not by extrinsic incentives.”
Other teacher of the year finalists include:
- Nicole Fleming, Miles Jones Elementary School
- Deanna Sada, Broad Rock Elementary
- Matthew Wester, Franklin Military
- Angeline Brannon, Linwood Holton Elementary
- Lynda Winters, Ginter Park/Mary Scott Elementary
- Baylan Earl Smith, Overby-Sheppard Elementary
- Ulanda Friday, George Wythe High
- LaKeisha Reid, Thompson Middle
