Hampton City Schools announces 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year

Hampton City Schools announced its elementary, middle, high school, and division teacher of the year at its Celebration of Excellence, the division’s back-to-school kickoff event. It was held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Boo Williams Sportsplex.

 

HCS Elementary School and Division Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Shante Jackson, a first grade teacher at Bassette Elementary School. She was named the 2025-2026 HCS Elementary School Teacher of the Year and the overall HCS Teacher of the Year.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be chosen as the HCS Teacher of the Year,” said Jackson. “This recognition reflects all the amazing people who have poured into me and cheered me on over the past four years. I am proud to be part of a community that champions equitable education and believes every student deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.”

“Ms. Jackson carries her childlike spirit and energy into her classroom, working to make learning interesting, fun, and relevant for her students,” said Bassette principal Dr. Rohan Cumberbatch-Smith. “This is reflected in the physical environment, her high expectations, her enrichment activities, her consistent communication with parents, and her lifelong love of learning and personal professional growth. We are more than proud and excited to have her represent HCS as Teacher of the Year! Go PANDAS!”

HCS Middle School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Stacey-Ann Facey, a language arts teacher at Lindsay Middle School, for being named the 2025-2026 HCS Middle School Teacher of the Year.

“It is with profound humility and gratitude that I accept the honor of being named Teacher of the Year for Hampton City Schools. I give thanks first to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His guidance and strength, and to my family for their unwavering support,” said Facey. “I am also deeply grateful to Lindsay Middle School and Hampton City Schools for this recognition. Teaching is both my calling and my passion, and I strive each day to serve with integrity, enthusiasm, and dedication to my students’ success. To be acknowledged in this way is a privilege that fills my heart with sincere appreciation.”

Sharif Hicks, principal of Lindsay Middle School said, “We are so proud of the success of Mrs. Facey. Her classroom becomes a place where scholars will not only learn but also become better versions of themselves. She prides herself on establishing high expectations not only for her scholars but for herself. HCS and Lindsay are grateful for all that she has done and will do for our scholars. She believes in our creed, Challenge Accepted, and HCS's mission of Every Child, Every Day, Whatever it Takes. Congratulations, Mrs. Facey, job well done.”

HCS High School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Ashley Winfield, a language arts teacher at Phoebus High School, for being named the 2025-2026 HCS High School Teacher of the Year.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to be named the HCS High School Teacher of the Year. This honor is a full-circle moment, as Dr. Haynes hired me to teach English at Kecoughtan High School, which kick-started my teaching career,” said Winfield. “I am thankful for the love and support of my Phantom Phamily and the many schools where I have been blessed to serve as a substitute, teacher, and coach. To my fellow teachers, never doubt the impact you make each day. Teaching is the kind of work that multiplies; what we plant in our classrooms today grows far beyond tomorrow. I do not take this recognition lightly and remain committed to serving my students and community with excellence while continuing to plant seeds of learning that last far beyond the classroom.”

David Coccoli, principal of Phoebus High School said, “The faculty, staff, and administration are beyond proud of Ashley Winfield and her recognition as HCS’s High School Teacher of the Year. Ashley Winfield epitomizes Phoebus High School’s purpose of greatness, every day in every way.”

The teachers will be recognized at the September 3, 2025, School Board meeting.