x
Breaking News
More () »

Spotsylvania County middle school teacher selected as Virginia's teacher of the year

Fabiana Parker has been an educator for almost 20 years, and started with Spotsylvania County Public Schools as an ESOL educator in 2021.

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. — Fabiana Parker, an ESOL teacher at Thornburg Middle School in Spotsylvania County, was named the 2023 Virginia Teacher of Year

A special ceremony was held Friday evening in the Patrick Henry Building on Capitol Square in Richmond, Virginia. The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors extraordinary teachers who represent the best teaching practices across the nation. 

Parker was picked from among eight other regional teachers nominated across the commonwealth. 

“We are so proud to see Mrs. Parker recognized for the outstanding work she does each and every day with her students,” said Interim Superintendent Kelly Guempel.

Parker has been an educator for almost 20 years. She started teaching in Spotsylvania County Public Schools as an ESOL educator in 2021. When she's not teaching, Parker says she spends her time with students, parents, staff, and community members "to provide opportunities for partnership and growth through a variety of activities such as guest speaker series." 

"Fabiana [Parker] exudes a passion for teaching and her efforts are an inspiration not only to her students, but also to her fellow faculty and staff members," Guempel said. 

Recipients of the Teachers of the Year will serve as ambassadors, promoting equality in education and the teaching profession. The 2023 Virginia Teacher of the Year represents the commonwealth in the Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year Program. 

RELATED: Beloved DC teacher talks with US Secretary of Education | Get Uplifted

RELATED: Stafford teacher who uses music, raps in class wins regional teacher of the year

RELATED: 'This is a win for all of Aiton' | DC announces 2021 Teacher of the Year

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.
Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.

Before You Leave, Check This Out