Chesterfield County Teacher of the Year
Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Maria Meyers, reading specialist at Davis Elementary School, is the 2025 Teacher of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools. She joined Davis Elementary in 2023 after previously teaching for Virtual Virginia and schools in Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi and Florida.

Dr. Kenya Batts, principal of Davis Elementary, said, “Maria Meyers has a passion for literacy and growing student and teacher knowledge. She is extremely knowledgeable and digs in to make sure we all have what we need. She is kind, patient and willing to go the extra mile to help everyone! Maria’s passion for literacy is contagious, and it makes us all want to be better.”

Asked how her work transcends classrooms and impacts students, Meyers wrote, “While there are bigger, and broader ways that I have connected with students and the community … the most basic and foundational way that I truly connect with students and the community is through regular, positive interactions. The impact of a kind word and a smile can uplift those around you. Remembering a student’s plans for the weekend or the name of a sibling generates trust and connection. A friendly wave in the morning car rider loop to parents and caregivers cultivates a culture of care. It does not take a large sum of money, or even time and energy, to show the kindness that others need to feel connected and safe enough to try to do their best.”

Middle School Teacher of the Year

Carly Felts teaches English as a second language at Providence Middle. She joined Chesterfield County Public Schools in 2015 as a summer school teacher at Greenfield Elementary, which she had attended as a child. Other assignments have included collaborative teaching across the curriculum at Providence Middle and Chalkley Elementary.

M.J. Rodney, principal of Providence Middle, said, “Carly Felts has an exceptional ability to connect with her students, establishing trusting relationships that empower them to thrive. She takes the time to understand each student’s unique needs and challenges, providing tailored support that helps them achieve their full potential. Whether through collaborative planning sessions, sharing innovative teaching strategies or providing emotional support during challenging times, she is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her positivity and enthusiasm inspire those around her, creating a collaborative spirit within our school community.”

Carly wrote this about her philosophy of teaching, “A student's basic needs must be met before they can thrive academically. … Many families have financial difficulties, housing insecurity, language barriers and face the challenge of balancing multiple jobs. … I prioritize a holistic approach to education that addresses students’ basic needs while emphasizing social-emotional learning and cultivating resilience.”

High School Teacher of the Year

Victoria Fitzgerald teaches visual arts and serves as chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Meadowbrook High. She joined the school in 2021, previously working in the private sector.

Dr. Craig Reed, principal of Meadowbrook High, said, “In addition to being a phenomenal teacher, Victoria Fitzgerald is a leader in our building. She engages her students in interactive lessons, and she transfers her love of art to students. Additionally, she is one of the most positive people around.”

She wrote this about connecting with students: “Empathy and connection are my philosophy on teaching and how I transcend learning outside the classroom. … Being authentic with our students encourages them to be vulnerable and take risks. To them, learning is a risk because they are afraid to fail. This belief will carry on in their life if we don’t help them to cope with it now. … We need to ensure [school] is fertile soil for them to grow into well-rounded, caring citizens of their communities.”