2024 Outstanding Elementary Teacher, Finalists, and School Recipients

The Outstanding Elementary Teachers Recognized at FCPS Honors

The Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award recognizes elementary teachers who demonstrate dedication, commitment, and the ability to propel students to high levels of success. The recipients meet students' individual needs, foster talent, instill a desire to learn, and nurture cooperative relationships among colleagues and the community. Any FCPS employee or community member may nominate teachers with at least three full years of experience for this award.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher

Shea Hestmark

Second Grade Teacher
Columbia Elementary School, Region 6

Shea is a dedicated and passionate second-grade teacher committed to fostering a welcoming environment, supporting student agency, and creating rigorous learning opportunities. Through developing strong relationships, Shea successfully motivates her students to take risks and grow as learners. Her commitment to equity and inclusion drives her to advocate for all students, ensuring each individual feels valued and supported in their educational journey. Shea’s work does not end at her classroom door, as she has taken on various leadership roles dedicated to ensuring the success of all students within her school community. Shea believes effective communication, an atmosphere of trust, and a commitment to inclusion drive positive change.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher Finalist

Meg Brinkhuis

Librarian
Cunningham Park Elementary School, Region 1

Meg tumbled into the best career ever 16 years ago after working as a rare book and university librarian. She shares that becoming an elementary teacher librarian was like coming home. Meg creates a welcoming, diverse, and responsive library experience for her students, both in terms of the collection and the library's atmosphere. In addition to teaching information literacy skills and collaborating with classroom teachers in teaching grade-level content, Meg sponsors reading incentive programs, from Book Madness to Battle of the Books, and family literacy nights from Bedtime Stories to Read Across America Night. Meg has also created a summer library where books are given away and two Book Bonanzas where students can choose free books to keep.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher Finalist

Amanda Castellucci

First Grade ESOL Teacher
Woodburn Elementary School, Region 2

As a teacher of multilingual learners, Amanda’s passion is rooted in an unwavering belief that her students deserve an education that nurtures who they are as individuals and who they will become as productive, caring adults in the future. She treats her students as she hopes her own children have been treated by their teachers through the years, with acceptance and love. While maintaining high academic expectations, she often reminds her students that their multilingualism and multiculturalism are superpowers to be treasured. She shares that she is a better teacher and human because of the work she is privileged to do on behalf of her students each and every day.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher Finalist

Hadley Harrison

Fourth Grade Teacher
Union Mill Elementary School, Region 4

Hadley’s teaching approach is individualized, engaging, and purposeful. As a fourth-grade teacher, he places high importance on fostering positive and enduring connections with his students. He invests time in getting to know each student, establishing trust, and fostering a positive learning experience for all. With an upbeat attitude, dynamic energy, and passion for teaching, Hadley inspires students of all grade levels and abilities to actively participate and interact with him throughout the school day. These interactions strengthen relationships within the school and community. Overall, Hadley’s most fulfilling aspect of teaching is observing the growth of his students and providing ongoing mentorship as they progress through their educational journey and beyond.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher Finalist

Stephanie Sniffin

Fourth Grade Advanced Academics Program Teacher
Poplar Tree Elementary School, Region 5

Stephanie enters her classroom each day with a positive, enthusiastic energy that helps her build strong relationships with her students. Her students are excited to come to school because they know they’re walking into a loving, supportive, and inclusive environment that empowers risk-taking. She fosters a sense of belonging and embeds projects that provide opportunities to collaborate, lead, and experience real-world scenarios. Stephanie's connection extends through the Student Council Association, where she shapes student leaders through her work as the teacher sponsor. In this role, she guides them in running events that directly impact the entire community, making all feel valued, while instilling the importance of giving back and showing kindness towards others.

2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher Finalist

Anna Yortzidis

First Grade Teacher
Franconia Elementary School, Region 3

Anna is a dedicated teacher who creates a caring learning environment that is built on acceptance and inclusivity. Her passion ignites a love for learning in every student. She tailors lessons to individual needs, fostering understanding and self-esteem. Anna implements many different daily activities to promote social-emotional development and community building, including morning meetings, afternoon circles, and mindful movement and breathing. Beyond the classroom, Anna fosters strong connections as she collaborates with colleagues, families, and students, building a supportive community that thrives on open communication. Her leadership extends far beyond academics, evident in her many roles, including team lead, master schedule committee chairperson, World Showcase Day Committee member, Whole School Morning Meeting Committee member, and yearbook advisor.