Hampton City Schools announces 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year

Hampton City Schools announced its elementary, middle, high school, and overall teacher of the year at its Celebration of Excellence, the division’s back-to-school kickoff event, on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Boo Williams Sportsplex.

HCS Middle School and Overall Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Sheryl McLaughlin, a science teacher at Jones Magnet Middle School. She was named the HCS Middle School Teacher of the Year and the overall HCS Teacher of the Year.

“I am incredibly humbled and grateful for such an honor. This recognition is truly a reflection of the amazing support from my colleagues, students, and school community. Thank you so much!,” shared McLaughlin.

“Mrs. McLaughlin’s exceptional commitment to instructional excellence and her unwavering dedication to the academic success and well-being of our students have set a high standard at Jones Magnet Middle School and throughout Hampton City Schools,” shared Jones principal Sharon Slater. “Her emphasis on relevant, rigorous instruction ensures that our students are well-prepared for college, career, and life. We are incredibly proud to have her as a leader and role model within our school community.”

HCS Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Elda Garcia, a music teacher at Phillips Elementary School, for being named the 2024-2025 HCS Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

“This is the greatest honor of my career and I feel privileged to stand among magical educators across HCS,” said Garcia. “I share this distinction with the fantastic music educators of Hampton City Schools and my colleagues at Phillips Elementary. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Rohan Cumberbatch-Smith, Mrs. Jessica Townsend, Ms. Kisha Jones, Mr. Kelly Dee, Mr. Rasan Holmes, and Mr. Jerry Lancaster for bringing me to Hampton. I am proud to live and work in a district that upholds the values of educating the whole child in words and action.”

“Ms. Garcia is a wonderful example of the qualities I look for in a teacher,” said Dr. Rohan Cumberbatch-Smith, current principal at Bassette Elementary and former principal at Phillips Elementary. “She is about children, community, and her own personal continued growth. I know that HCS has high standards for educators in general and after working with Ms. Garcia for two years, I was able to see those high standards being demonstrated each and every day. I am very proud of her accomplishments and the honor of her being selected as the HCS Elementary School Teacher of the Year.” 

HCS High School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Franchesca Conley-Mitchell, a math teacher at Hampton High School, for being named the 2024-2025 HCS High School Teacher of the Year.

Conley-Mitchell shared, “My belief is that students make good teachers because students push teachers to reach their full potential as educators, shared.”

“I am beyond grateful for all the creative and engaging lessons that have been taught this past year by Mrs. Conley-Mitchell,” said Hampton High School executive principal Haneef Majied. “I truly wish I had a teacher like her, who inspired a passion for learning. Her dedication to teaching and unwavering commitment to her students is truly admirable, and the Crabber Nation is so fortunate to have her as a part of our team!”

The teachers will be recognized at the September 4, 2024, School Board meeting.