Virginia Teacher of the Year Nominee is Baldwin Int. Physical Education Teacher
April 30, 2019...Dr. Kevin Newman, Superintendent of Schools, made a visit to Baldwin Intermediate School to surprise MCPS’ nominee for the 2019 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year award, Cathy Nowak, The schools’ physical education teacher, was elated to learn she has been chosen as this year’s recipient!
Each year, MCPS nominates a staff member for the award who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; plays an active and useful role in the community; is poised and articulate, and possesses the energy to withstand a taxing schedule.
Nowak has been a member of the MCPS family for 29 years. She joined the staff at Round Elementary is 1989 as an Adaptive P.E. teacher. She was hired as the P.E. teacher at Haydon Elementary in 1991. During her time at Haydon, she started a health night that grew into one of the most popular events at the school. Since 2015, she has served as a P.E. teacher at the intermediate level, first at Mayfield and now at Baldwin Intermediate.
Nowak is known citywide for her passion regarding the connection between healthy, active lifestyles for students and academic achievement.
The Virginia Teacher of the Year award is named in honor of Dr. Mary V. Bicouvaris, the 1989 Virginia and National Teacher of the Year. Nowak will compete with other teachers in Region 4, which includes Prince William County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Manassas Park City Schools, among others, before going on to compete with additional regional winners in the state for the distinguished title. She will also be recognized at the division’s Night of Excellence, May 21 at Osbourn High School.