Coradetti Named MCPS Teacher of the Year Nominee
May 12, 2021 – On Wednesday, May 12, officials from Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) surprised Sarah Coradetti with the news that she is the division’s nominee for the 2022 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year award. Coradetti is a fourth-grade English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher at Baldwin Elementary School, who is praised for her enthusiasm and dedication.
Each year, MCPS nominates a staff member for the award who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; has the admiration of students, parents, and colleagues; plays an active role in fostering community; creates a culture of respect and success, and demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom.
Laura Goldzung, principal of Baldwin Elementary, said Coradetti was instrumental in keeping families informed and engaged during virtual and hybrid learning, noting her strong communication skills and desire to help. According to Goldzung, Coradetti’s contributions during distance learning increased parent engagement to levels higher than seen during traditional learning.
“She demonstrates respect when speaking with students and families in Spanish and models building authentic relationships despite language and cultural differences,” Goldzung explained. “Her commitment to finding common ground and validating culture as a key to school success is a hallmark of her practice.”
In her role, Coradetti is responsible for working with other teachers to ensure lessons are accessible and clear for English language learners. She is dedicated to student success and doing what she can to support student learning. She spends time collaborating on lesson plans and inspiring teachers to “develop resources that are appropriately scaffolded for each level of language learner,” said fourth grade teacher Gabrielle Boltz.
Coradetti has nearly 20 years of teaching experience, which includes many years teaching ESOL to all ages. She has also taught ESOL at Mayfield and Biology at Osbourn. Coradetti has also spent years volunteering within the community. She co-sponsored Mayfield’s Garden Club and volunteered for the Prince William Conservation Alliance. Most recently, she has been volunteering for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Grasses for the Masses program.
Ecosystems are part of the fourth-grade curriculum and Baldwin students usually grow wild celery at the school. During distance learning, Coradetti took on the task to grow the celery at her home, and in May, it will be planted in Mason Neck State Park. Coradetti’s efforts have allowed students to not only learn, but to also participate in aiding the Chesapeake Bay.
Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education, the Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the year award is named in honor of the 1989 Virginia and National Teacher of the Year.
Coradetti will compete with other teachers in Region 4, which includes Prince William County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Manassas Park City Schools, before going on to compete with additional regional winners in the state for the distinguished title. A banner recognizing the award will hang outside Baldwin Elementary for the next year.