Fauquier

County Public Schools

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2020
Tara Helkowski, Public Information Officer
Phone (540) 422-7031
tara.helkowski@fcps1.org


2020 TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES CELEBRATED

At its March meeting, the Fauquier County School Board honored 19 teachers, all of whom have
been nominated to be Fauquier County’s representative in the Washington Post Teacher of the Year
competition. A selection panel will choose one of the 19 teachers to be the Fauquier County Teacher of the
Year to be announced in mid-April.
The evening began with a reception to honor the nominees, featuring appetizers presented by
culinary arts students at Fauquier High School. At the meeting, each school’s Teacher of the Year nominee
received a glass apple award when introduced to the room filled with family, friends and colleagues.
Following are nomination excerpts read at the board meeting in recognition of the 19 Fauquier County
Teacher of the Year nominees.
SARAH ANDINO’S after-school Writing Club at Brumfield is one of her principal’s favorites. He said it is a
time when students share their work with family and friends, support one another,
and enjoy writing so much they published a book! Sarah has participated in the
Shenandoah Valley Writing project for three years. Her co-teachers write that her
classroom feels like home. She works seamlessly with her special education teammate
and is highly successful in working with children with IEPs. Students remember Mrs.
Andino as a caring, positive influence in their lives. A parent writes that her son has
thrived in Mrs. Andino’s class. She is patient, but pushes him to do his best while
reminding him of his potential. He happily shares at home what he is learning from
Mrs. Andino. A former student writes that Mrs. Andino is not only a great teacher, but
also a great friend who still encourages him!
MELISSA BALGAVY has established herself as a dedicated and compassionate professional educator who
continually goes out of her way to make sure her students feel loved and supported.
She brings energy, passion, and devotion to each and every aspect of her job and
works tirelessly in order to ensure student success both in and out of the classroom.
Mrs. Balgavy serves in several different leadership roles including FCPS ACES, math
council, and equity team representative. Colleagues say that Melissa has always put
her students first. They love working with her because she makes everyone feel
valued. Melissa is a leader in the math department, a leader in school improvement
planning, and a supportive colleague. Our school community is very fortunate to have
someone like Melissa Balgavy providing such high-level educational services to our
students, parents, and staff, and we look forward to having her continue to provide
such services for years to come!
RICHARD CARPENTER is a natural leader, a quick thinker, and a problem solver with a wit that puts his
colleagues and students at Taylor at ease no matter the situation or subject matter.
Coach Carpenter cheers his students on in activities and in the classroom. He modifies
activities and assignments to meet individual needs so his students can all participate
and learn, including his nonverbal autistic students. His colleagues say Rich is
everywhere! He works with everyone in a positive manner. If he cannot solve a
problem, he will find someone in the school or community who can! Coach Carpenter
will literally run side by side with you, work with you, and do whatever it takes to help
you achieve! He is a humble teacher who would give you his last dollar if you needed it,
and who genuinely cares about his students and his colleagues. Coach Carpenter is the
type of person you gravitate towards. His positive attitude is infectious, and his smile lights up any room he
enters!

AMY CUTSAIL teaches her students at Bradley that they are all artistic. She is a true advocate for students
regardless of their innate artistic abilities or personal interest in art. Ms. Cutsail’s love of
art and her students goes beyond the school walls. She shares with students and
parents the opportunities to participate in local art contests, camps and events. Ms.
Cutsail inspires her students to develop their own individual style, without a push
towards artistic perfection. Her gifted art students work with her on various events and
projects, and she does adaptive art projects for those who are not physically able to
work with some of the art tools. Amy involves the entire school community in arts. Her
principal describes Amy as a marigold. They bring out the best in the other plants. Ms.
Cutsail brings out the best in those around her. She is a ray of sunshine, positivity and kindness. Her smile
reflects the joy she has found in the work she has chosen to pursue!

VICKIE ESTEP is a caring librarian who works hard to foster a love of reading among the students at Grace
Miller School. She is a true veteran of FCPS with 40 years of experience here. Vickie
works with the “Battle of the Books” program and initiated the “Big Bounce” reading
rewards. On the day of the “Big Bounce,” the gym is filled with “Bounces” and exciting
activities for children. When Vickie reads to students, she ushers them into different
worlds, different moments in history and forward into the future! She truly helps her
students understand the beauty of reading whether it is fiction or non-fiction.
Students’ faces light up when they see Mrs. Estep because they know she cares about
them and their families. Mrs. Estep opens the library during the summer, allowing
students and parents to come in and check out books. Vickie has impacted the lives of
countless students by making the magic of reading and literature attainable and exciting!

TAMMY HAGAN is a veteran science teacher who brought her vast experience to Kettle Run High School in
2008. A former student and colleague writes that Mrs. Hagan exemplifies the qualities of an excellent
educator. She continually strives to meet the needs of her students past and present.
Many of her students spend their lunchtime in her classroom where they feel welcome
and heard. A former student writes that she struggled with testing throughout her
school years. Mrs. Hagan taught her a variety of test-taking skills, which helped her
pass her Earth Science SOL. The former student adds that both she and Mrs. Hagan
were excited when she passed because it was a huge accomplishment for her. Her
assistant principal writes that Mrs. Hagan is a learning coach and an asset to the school
community. She focuses on the whole student as it relates to their emotional
wellbeing and academic success. Mrs. Hagan is the epitome of what I would want in a
teacher, as a student, parent and administrator!

BOBBI LYNN HAUSER is the type of teacher every administrator dreams of having on staff, according to her
Assistant Principal, Ms. Shorb, at Cedar Lee Middle School. This 8th-grade science
teacher is not only a team leader, but also the GEMS club sponsor, the
instructional coach and a mentor to her colleagues! She is dedicated and
passionate about student success. Ms. Hauser sets high expectations for her
students to reach while providing a comfortable, safe and consistent
environment for them to learn. Her colleagues are inspired by her creativity and
energy. She is one of the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the
afternoon. Ms. Hauser’s students adore her, stating, “Mrs. Hauser is really nice and her room is colorful
and fun. She is always so helpful.” Xander shares that, “Mrs. Hauser’s class is a place where I feel
respected, and I feel like I belong.” Her assistant principal adds that she is honored to nominate this
amazing teacher!

QUENTIN JONES is a one-of-a-kind guy who is beloved by his students. He is the light of the Special Ed
department at Fauquier High School; and his colleagues admire him, not just for his
supreme dedication to teaching, but for his selfless nature, tireless work ethic, and
infectious sense of humor. He makes all students feel unique and special. While
Quentin is dedicated to teaching content, he can always interject enough humor and
encouragement to keep the students hooked. Coach Jones is a legendary track coach,
with winning seasons, and individuals who advance to State competition. His track
team students understand that he expects a code of moral behavior and full
commitment to do their best. He is a wonderful role model, and his students want to
emulate him. Quentin has sponsored the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, welcoming
all students, regardless of faith. Each week, I see Quentin surrounded by these
students in the cafeteria having breakfast. As a teacher and coach, he cares for his students in and out of
the classroom and never gives up on any of them!
CARRIE LINEBAUGH is more than a Special Education math teacher at Liberty High School. She co-leads the
new teacher mentor program, and gladly accepted the opportunity to be the first to
teach the “Teachers for Tomorrow” course. Her principal, Mr. Cox, writes that Mrs.
Linebaugh is a teacher who empowers students to explore their interests and
enthusiastically inspires them to take risks. Mrs. Linebaugh and her co-teacher were
chosen as role models for the Virginia Co-Teaching Initiative. Carrie has found
methods to reach students for whom learning is the toughest thing they have to do.
When she is instructing, students are working, collaborating, learning and having fun!
Carrie has earned the highest respect of both students and colleagues, all while raising
a beautiful family! Her colleague writes that Carrie responds to her questions with
better questions that help her grow as a teacher. She is a great example to students and teachers alike!
ANDREA MARTENS inspires her ESL students to put forth their best effort because they know she believes
in them. Not only does Ms. Martens serve as a role model for the staff members at
Pearson, she is someone who every child adores and admires. Andrea views all of the
students at Pearson as “her students” even if she does not work directly with
them. She makes it a point to learn the names of students so she can greet them with
a warm smile, kind word, hug, or high five when she sees them about the building.
Ms. Martens connects with students by visiting classrooms during her planning
period, eating lunch with them in order to provide company and companionship to
those who may be in need of some extra attention, and providing free after-school
tutoring. Whether it is a snack, school supplies, clothing, or an ear to bend that
students are looking for, our students always know that Ms. Martens is there to help them,
and that she will not let them down. Andrea Martens is the epitome of a superb educator.
SHAWN MORTON greets everyone with a smile that makes her approachable to children and adults alike.
Parents and colleagues agree this 5th-grade Coleman teacher has a way of lifting
you up and making you feel confident in your ability. Shawn is a powerful
advocate for students and education! Does a colleague need a new plan? She
will help you formulate one. Looking for an enrichment program? She will start
and sponsor one. For students she is the same. Find out a student has an
impressive career goal? Mrs. Morton brings in a real-world professional to speak
to her class and answer questions. Her parent communication is outstanding,
and colleagues are overjoyed when she is their child’s teacher! Her team uses
Class Dojo an app to keep parents in the loop. Mrs. Morton’s students believe she should be Teacher of
the Year because, “she is forgiving, she is kind and generous, she is fun and loving, and she hardly ever ever
loses her patience!”
KELLEY MULLIKIN is a rare combination of kindness, patience, attentiveness and intelligence, according to a
volunteer parent of one of her students. Her principal agrees, writing that Mrs.
Mullikin is an outstanding teacher and collaborator and provides a sense of
belonging for the children at Smith Elementary. As a first-grade teacher and part of
the PBIS team, Kelley has worked to make Smith a community….a place where
students are valued and respected. With a caring and trusting nature, Kelley makes
sure students have a voice in the decisions about their learning experiences by
providing them various options. A colleague writes that she first worked with Kelley
when she taught kindergarten, and her classroom was engaging, cheerful and
inviting to curious 5 year olds. She demonstrated her versatility as an educator as
she made the transition from teaching kindergarten to first grade seamlessly. She
adds that Kelley Mullikin leads us all to be better by her example!
JENNIFER PIERCY is better known as Madame Piercy to her French students at Warrenton Middle School.
Her principal and vice principal firmly believe that if you are able to make meaningful
connections with students, you are able to teach them just about any content. Madam
Piercy has a quick smile and easy-going manner that puts kids at ease and ready to
learn. Her classroom environment is loud, with lots of laughing and dancing and
singing. Both singing and dancing tend to be outside most people’s comfort zone, and
that is actually a great way to learn new topics like French! Madame Piercy’s annual
Quebec trip also provides unparalleled insights into her leadership abilities outside the
classroom. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the eighth graders. She ensures
they are exposed to the culture by having them participate in activities and meals that
are traditional, all the while building relationships with each other. Madame Piercy gives her students
memories they will always cherish!

KAITLIN REDER volunteers her time to lead two different FRESH clubs, a fitness club and Greenville’s first
ever cooking club. She devotes countless hours to organizing, with the ultimate goal in
mind of students learning and having fun! Mrs. Reder’s kindergarten class is full of
activities and interaction. She possesses the ability to make learning fun, allowing kids
to explore the assignments while still ensuring they know the boundaries of acceptable
behavior. She is always ready to help colleagues, and gives her time to make sure
those around her are successful. Kaitlin serves as team leader and has planned and
helped organize numerous Read-A-Thon fundraisers and school-wide events. A
colleague writes that Greenville greatly benefits from Kaitlin’s service and love of our
school and community. She is an incredible teacher and mom, and a super kind,
generous and caring individual!
BARBARA RUSSELL’S professional character is described as “stellar” in education, background and
experience for multiple disability categories. But Barbara does not focus on the
disability. She focuses on the child, seeking to help them reach their fullest potential.
Mrs. Russell’s compassion, praise and encouragement makes children who at first feel
overwhelmed, sad and afraid, eager to learn and achieve. She recognizes the need of
each of her students, and they soon have confidence in their ability to understand
new concepts and learn new skills. A colleague and parent of a student Mrs. Russell
taught writes, “The truly effective and inspiring leaders are not driven to lead people;
they are driven to serve them. Barbara is driven to serve others on both a personal
and professional level.” Everyone who encounters Barbara is uplifted by her positive
presence, and she is not only an outstanding educator, but an amazing human being!

LEAH UTZ has an immeasurable passion for teaching, learning and children, which shines in everything she
does. She is a cheerleader and champion for her students, helping them to become
more confident academically, socially and emotionally each day. Whether it is showing
up at one of her student’s soccer games or teaching them a new math strategy,
students know she is in their corner. In addition to her classroom, after school, and
summer camp intervention work, Leah produces two musicals a year at Claude
Thompson. Many students who struggle with finding success in school, find success
after school as part of the musical’s cast. Her students write, “Ms. Utz, you teach us in
such a fun way. We will never forget you when we go to middle school.” And, “Ms. Utz
is amazing because she wakes everyone up in the morning and is always in a good
mood.” And, finally, “Ms. Utz is the reason I have a smile on my face every day and
have good grades. She is my hero!”

ELIZABETH WINES’ entire professional career is dedicated to Fauquier County: she’s been teaching at
Marshall Middle School since she graduated from Mary Washington in….well, suffice it
to say she’s been teaching here for 30 years! Mrs. Wines is a leader to her first-year
ESOL colleague who comes to her classroom 2-3 times per week to learn. Elizabeth
collaborates with other English teachers, and her leadership on her Team is
invaluable. Elizabeth plays a key role in connecting Marshall Middle School to the
Marshall Community. She demonstrates and practices the values of sharing our
stories, actively and respectfully listening to each other, and building skills of empathy.
Mrs. Wines knows her subject matter of English inside and out. She shares this
passion for learning with students, and her teaching is clear and concise. Mrs. Wines
connects the curriculum to the “real world”. The questions What am I learning? Why am I learning
it? and How do I know if I’m successful?” are posted on her board and often discussed.
CHRISTINA YONKEY is a Reading Specialist at Mary Walter. She is a wealth of knowledge and gives her
students hands-on strategies to use when reading and writing. Christina shares
strategies with parents as well, and invites them to school community-reading events
such as “Book Bingo” and “Build a Storytime” workshop. Chrissy helps all her students
to not only learn the skills they need to become a better reader, but also how to truly
love reading. She enrolled in courses specifically to better understand and help
children with dyslexia. Christina organized the “Flash Grub” event, which was
attended by hundreds of people and provided various activities for students and
families to come together, learn, and share with one another. Mrs. Yonkey possesses
and implements an extraordinary love of children, an exceptional depth of
understanding her craft, and the self-motivation to help students learn beyond their
perceived potential!
KALEE YOST teaches her 3rd-graders at Pierce to be thoughtful, creative, and confident problem solvers. A
parent writes that her son has benefitted from Mrs. Yost’s infectious enthusiasm for
education. She is a strong advocate for student success, and her classroom exudes
the effort she has put into it to ensure her students feel comfortable and loved.
Mrs. Yost’s students love her for many reasons; she lets them do fun experiments,
she has great snacks and always lets them choose the kind of chips they want.
However, the reason that was foremost in their letters was she always gives them
second chances. Outside of the classroom, Kalee maintains excellent
communication with the parents of her students. She values the home/school
partnership and works hard to build those relationships. Kalee takes advantage of professional learning
opportunities and provides support for her colleagues. Her principal adds that she knew from the very first
time she observed her classroom that Kalee Yost had a gift for teaching and any principal would be lucky to
have her in their school.

,

Fauquier County Public Schools
2020 Teacher of the Year Nominees

Front Row: Melissa Balgavy (Auburn MS), Carrie Linebaugh (Liberty HS), Kaitlin Reder (Greenville ES), Barbara Russell (Ritchie ES), Sarah Andino
(Brumfield ES), Bobbi Lynn Hauser (Cedar Lee MS), Tammy Hagan (Kettle Run HS)
Row 2: Richard Carpenter (Taylor MS), Christina Yonkey (Walter ES), Leah Utz (Thompson ES), Elizabeth Wines (Marshall MS), Andrea Martens
(Pearson ES)
Back Row: Vickie Estep (Miller ES), Shawn Morton (Coleman ES), Jennifer Piercy (Warrenton MS), Kelley Mullikin (Smith ES), Quentin Jones (Fauquier
HS), Kalee Yost (Pierce ES)
Not pictured: Amy Cutsail (Bradley ES)