Each year, Chesterfield County Public Schools recognizes four beginning teachers as the best among their peers. The Beginning Teacher of the Year Awards recognize new educators who excel in instructional planning and delivery, in creation of a learning environment and in professionalism. This year, 29 of the 301 new teachers working in Chesterfield schools were nominated.
These four teachers were recognized at the school board meeting on May 13.
Elementary School Beginning Teacher of the Year: Melissa Micou
Melissa teaches third grade at Crestwood Elementary. After two years as a substitute teacher, Melissa Micou said that this year she “had the honor of teaching my own class for the very first time.”
Her nominator wrote this: “When you enter Mrs. Micou’s classroom, you would never know that she is a first year teacher. She develops engaging, cross-curricular lessons that push student thinking and dialogue. … [She] goes out of her way to look for additional resources to add to her lessons based on her students’ needs. … Mrs. Micou’s classroom is a collaborative space that provides opportunities for all students to learn and thrive.”
Here’s one example of how she meets students where they are: She and a colleague staged a classroom talk show called “Survival of the Fittest” as a way to review science lessons. Her award-worthy portrayal of Professor Noah Lott (complete with safari hat, binoculars and other explorer accessories) connected students in a memorable way with information that needed to know about whale migration, Arctic hare camouflage and more.
Middle School Beginning Teacher of the Year: Ramsey Deheck
Ramsey teaches sixth grade English at Bailey Bridge Middle. Her nominator wrote this: “As our English teachers have adjusted to teaching the new standards and incorporating the new instructional guides/thematic units, Ramsey [Deheck] has been a leader in working with the department and the CCPS literacy specialist to ensure effective planning and instructional delivery. … Observing Ramsey in the classroom and throughout the school, one would be shocked to learn that she is a first year teacher. She demonstrates the skills and confidence of a veteran teacher.”
Ramsey said shifting some classroom activities from paper-and-pencil methods to collaborative group work using whiteboards has significantly improved student engagement and learning. She wrote, “Through whiteboard collaboration and other interactive strategies, I have provided equitable learning opportunities that cater to diverse needs, ensuring that all students have access to meaningful learning experiences. This approach allows struggling students to find support, high-achieving students to take on leadership roles and every student to engage in ways that align with their strengths.”
High School Beginning Teacher of the Year: Justin “Tyler” Warren
Tyler teaches guitar, piano and orchestra at Matoaca High. His nominator wrote this: Tyler Warren “has flourished in his instruction and relationships from day one.”
Tyler said, “Teaching music does not feel like a job. It feels like a calling. … I aim to make music education a space where students feel inspired to take creative risks and to discover their own unique voices.”
After noticing two students were significantly struggling in piano class, Tyler said, “I took it as an opportunity to re-think my teaching approach. I began researching strategies online and reached out to my special education department head for guidance. … I uncovered techniques that could better support students with processing and learning disabilities. … The results were almost immediate. These students who once felt lost in the music began engaging more confidently. … By adapting my instruction to fit their needs, I reinforced the idea that music is for everyone and with the right support every student can succeed.”
Overall CCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year: Richard Troshak
Richard teaches at Chester Early Childhood Learning Academy. His nominator wrote this: Richard Troshak “understands the importance of observation and relationship building. He takes great care to get to know students and their interests. He uses that information to create a learning environment that piques student interests.”
Richard also works to support his colleagues, saying, “Recognizing the challenges that have come with stepping into the classroom for the first time, I have been actively co-leading a new teacher support program. … This initiative focuses on creating a video-based training resource designed to provide practical examples of classroom routines, instructional strategies and best practices. By compiling real classroom experiences into a comprehensive resource library, new and struggling prekindergarten teachers will have access to tangible guidance before they even step into their own classrooms. These videos will serve as a support system, helping teachers navigate common challenges, refining instructional approach and building confidence in their practice.”
