Round Elementary Teacher is Nominee for State Award
May 9, 2018...Jennifer Faria, a teacher at George C. Round Elementary School, is the Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) nominee for the Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year award for 2018. 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.
Mrs. Faria has worked as a fourth grade teacher at Round since 2015. Her ability to lead staff and students has earned her several nominations for the award from both groups. Students describe Mrs. Faria as motivating, supportive, inspirational, and someone who leads by example in the classroom. She is described by her colleagues as tireless in her dedication to students. "She does whatever it takes to make sure they understand the concepts, even if it means singing, dancing and being silly," they said.
It is this level of enthusiasm that also makes her an effective education leader. Mrs. Faria has served as the Fourth Grade Lead Teacher and School Improvement Team member since 2016. During that time, she has led multiple, successful professional development activities due to her ability to transform the staff into a truly collaborative team, according to Principal Scott Baldwin.
“One of Mrs. Faria’s greatest strengths is her ability to engage staff in the reflective professional development activities that build a capacity for learning…and also have a positive impact on teaching and student learning,” said Amy Robinson, assistant principal at Round Elementary.
Mrs. Faria’s support for her students does not stop in the classroom. She worked tirelessly with other teachers to design and implement the after-school remediation program, Rocky’s Rangers, which targets at-risk learners. Her work on the Culture and Climate Committee supports the division-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) program, and her contributions made to grade level team planning and grant writing further make her an invaluable asset to the school. She also served on the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on behalf of her school as well as a Mentor Teacher during the 2016-2017 school year.
Mrs. Faria knows that a great education involves the whole child to include families and the community. That is why she volunteers her time for many of the school’s community events, including the school-wide talent show, Round Revue, and the annual Shamrock Run, which is the main fundraising event for the school.
Mrs. Faria's excellence in education has not gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of the following awards and recognitions: Washington Post Teacher of the Year Nominee (2017-2018) and the Spark Plug Award (2017), which is given to a teacher who is dependable, responsible, displays leadership capabilities and who is always willing to assist in any situation. Mrs. Faria will be honored at the school division’s annual recognition ceremony, Evening with the Stars, on May 16th as well as the Manassas Education Foundation’s Annual Night of Excellence on May 24th.
The Virginia Teacher of the Year honors teachers (pre-Kindergarten through grade 12), including school librarians and school counselors who represent the best in teaching in the state and nation. The award is named in honor of Dr. Mary V. Bicouvaris, the 1989 Virginia and National Teacher of the Year. Faria will compete with other public schools 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.