April 22, 2021 - William A. Walton Elementary School’s Christine Carr has been named Prince George County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year as individual schools and the division recognizes the educators who help support the needs of students across the district.
Carr, an instructional technology resource teacher, or ITRT at Walton Elementary School was formally recognized during the Prince George School Board meeting on Wednesday, April 21st, joined by Principal Chrystal Barnwell and other members of PGCPS’ leadership team. Throughout the 2020-2021 School Year, Carr went above and beyond to help students thrive in-person and virtually while navigating the challenges of educating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also worked collaboratively to support their colleagues at Walton Elementary School throughout the year as technology became an integral part of the learning environment for schools. Carr’s efforts embodied the unified goal of all of our schools’ educators and staff to support students and one another throughout the school year.
“As I reflect on the recognition, I was honored to be selected as Prince George County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year,” Christine Carr said. “I am fortunate and blessed to teach in such a great county, alongside such dedicated educators. I am excited to represent the innovation, leadership, and excellence in teaching that is shown in Prince George County each day at the state level.
Carr was presented with a special certificate by the Prince George School Board, a tote bag embroidered with Prince George County Public Schools’ new logo, $500 to buy instruction-related materials, and a ceremonial bell with Carr’s name inscribed on it, a traditional school division gift for those being recognized for excellence in service to PGCPS.
“We are proud to recognize Mrs. Christine Carr as Prince George County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year,” Division Superintendent Dr. Lisa Pennycuff said. “In what has been an extraordinary year for educators due to COVID-19 and the introduction of hybrid and virtual learning, Mrs. Carr has been an example of what it means to be truly dedicated to seeing students excel in their educational endeavors. Our school division is blessed to have teachers like Mrs. Carr, and all those who have been recognized as Teachers of the Year at each of our schools.”
“The Prince George School Board joins the school division in honoring Mrs. Christine Carr as this year’s Teacher of the Year recipient,” Prince George School Board Chairman Rob Eley said. “The efforts of Mrs. Carr and all of our teachers to give our students high quality instruction in-person and virtually during the 2020-2021 School Year amid the pandemic will be something our board and community will be forever grateful to them for. We congratulate Mrs. Carr and all of the Teacher of the Year recipients at our schools.”
"Great teachers truly inspire others. One of those great teachers is Walton Elementary School's 2021 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Christine Carr," Walton Elementary School principal Chrystal Barnwell said. "This great teacher understands that it requires innovative strategies to meet the needs of today's students. One of our staff members at Walton shared, 'She is always finding new ways for us to integrate technology into our classrooms and takes the time out to show us how it's done.' We are honored to have Mrs. Christine Carr represent Walton Elementary as our 2021 Teacher of the Year and division-wide Teacher of the Year for Prince George County Public Schools."
Every year, each of PGCPS’ schools selects their Teacher and Support Staff Member of the Year following a nomination and selection process in late winter. Those men and women are then entered into the running to be named the division’s Teacher and Support Staff Member of the Year later in the spring. During the Wednesday, April 21st Prince George School Board meeting, the following educators were recognized as Teachers of the Year at their respective schools for the 2020-2021 School Year:
- Khrista Herzing, L.L. Beazley Elementary School
- Casey Abernathy, David A. Harrison Elementary School
- Anna Ponder, North Elementary School
- Lori McCoy, South Elementary School
- Christine Carr, William A. Walton Elementary School
- David Dockan, J.E.J. Moore Middle School
- Wade Kliebenstein, N.B. Clements Junior High School
- Paola Jones, Prince George High School
- Beth Balazik, Prince George Education Center
Carr joins a growing list of Prince George County Public Schools educators who have been named Teacher of the Year for their efforts to support the educational and socio-emotional needs of Prince George County. In the last five years, PGCPS has recognized the following instructors as Teacher of the Year:
- 2020-21: Christine Carr
- 2019-20: Britney Sammler
- 2018-19: Sara Bailey
- 2017-18: Brittany Zucconi
- 2016-17: Brittany Tuzzo