March 11, 2024
Chelsey Newman, a special education learning specialist at L.L. Beazley Elementary School has been selected as Prince George County Public Schools’ 2024 Division Teacher of the Year during a special ceremony at the Prince George County School Board regular business meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024
Mrs. Newman has been part of the Prince George County Public Schools community for the last three years, serving as a learning specialist during that time, calling her classroom “her home,” and each student she serves being part of her classroom family. Her connection to L.L. Beazley Elementary School dates back to her time as a student teacher, when she was approached with an opportunity to work at the school - a moment Mrs. Newman said was when she found her forever family and home.
“Being selected as Teacher of the Year is such an honor, not one that I am sure that I deserve. After being announced, the amount of love and support that was shared with me left me absolutely speechless. To say that I am honored is not enough; I am blessed,” Chesley Newman said. “Every day, teachers walk around and are not recognized enough, not just me but all teachers. Teacher of the Year means that I have been seen, that I have been recognized, and that I am making a difference in not just my students but my coworkers. How can anyone put that kind of emotion into words? It is not possible. My heart could literally explode from happiness, gratitude, love, and appreciation.”
L.L. Beazley Elementary School special education learning specialist Chesley Newman was named PGCPS’ Division Teacher of the Year during a special recognition ceremony on March 11, 2024. (PGCPS Photo)
“What makes Mrs. Chelsey Newman stand out as a teacher is her patience and understanding with all students,” L.L. Beazley Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Pell said. “These attributes help students build trusting relationships with her. Her students make great gains in her classroom that begin with these relationships. The trust she establishes creates a learning environment that her students excel in academics and social skills. She is one of our newer teachers, yet so many go to her for suggestions and advice for working with students. She is the teacher all parents would love their children to have.”
When asked what inspired her to become an educator and supporting the children of our community, Mrs. Newman reflected on "them," those she serves through her work everyday in the classroom.
"Who is 'them,'" Mrs. Newman said. "'Them' is all of my students, my coworkers, the parents I work with, the community, my family, the ones who don't have a voice, the ones that need extra support; I did it for all of them. I knew after my first year that I was an advocate for all of them. They needed me, so I decided then and there that I was never going to settle for being a good teacher. I would never stop doing what I needed to do to be better, smarter, and stronger. My inspiration every day is them. All of them.
Mrs. Newman continued, “I am not sure that I deserve this award and honor because it was the entire school, staff, and students that made me the teacher that I am. So they, all of them, should be awarded Teacher of the Year. Accepting Teacher of the Year means that I am accepting on behalf of all of them, not just me because without them, I wouldn't be Teacher of the Year.”
"Our district is proud to celebrate Mrs. Chesley Newman as Prince George County Public Schools' Division Teacher of the Year," District Superintendent Dr. Lisa Pennycuff said. "Mrs. Newman exemplifies our district's mission of keeping the children of Prince George County as our true north. She has had a lasting impact on our youngest learners at L.L. Beazley Elementary School, nurturing a love of learning in each of her students while serving as a resource to her colleagues and the school community. We are thankful to Mrs. Newman and each of our Teacher of the Year award winners for being such shining examples of what it means to give your all to your students."
"The Prince George County School Board would like to express our congratulations to Mrs. Chelsey Newman for being chosen as our district's Teacher of the Year award winner and to all those recognized throughout our school division," Prince George School Board Chair Jill A. Andrews said. "The work that our teachers do every day in our schools to support our children is truly remarkable. We appreciate their dedication to their students, ensuring they have the tools they need to be successful in whatever the future may hold for them. Each of our Teacher of the Year award winners demonstrates an unwavering commitment to education, serving to impact the lives of countless students for years to come."
Annually, PGCPS' schools and support facilities select their Teacher and Support Employee of the Year following a nomination and selection process in late winter. These individuals are then entered for potential selection as the division's Teacher and Support Employee of the Year later in the spring. During the Monday, March 11, 2024, Prince George School Board meeting, the following teachers and instructional team members were recognized as Teachers of the Year at their respective locations:
- Chelsey Newman, Special Education Learning Specialist, L.L. Beazley Elementary School
- Jessica Alderman, 2nd Grade Teacher, D.A. Harrison Elementary School
- Kathleen Temple, 4th Grade Teacher, Middle Road Elementary School
- Karli McCune, Special Education Learning Specialist, North Elementary School
- Tiffany Maxwell, Library Media Specialist / Teacher, South Elementary School
- Marcos Torres, School Counselor, Prince George Education Center
- Teri York, English Teacher, J.E.J. Moore Middle School
- Keisha Lewis, Career & Technical Education Teacher, N.B. Clements Junior High School
- Allison Heath, Library Media Specialist, Prince George High School
These individuals will also be recognized during the division’s annual Royal Recognition Reception at Prince George High School on May 16, 2024, a special event that celebrates the talented individuals who support the children of Prince George County and our community.
Prince George County Public Schools invites everyone to learn more about our Teacher of the Year award recipients by visiting the district’s website and reading profiles showcasing each educator.