Congratulations to 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year Meg Smith

Margaret A. “Meg” Smith of Lynchburg, VA was announced as the 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year at an evening reception on Friday October 14 at the Holiday Inn Kroger Conference Center. She was recognized along with the other seven 2012 Regional Teachers of the Year. Meg Smith is an eighth grade English literature teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation in Lynchburg.

The Virginia Teacher of the Year program recognizes the top educators in the state annually. Richmond injury attorney R. Clayton Allen presented Ms. Smith with a check for $2,500 on behalf of the Allen Law Firm. The personal injury law firm of Allen & Allen has been involved with the Virginia Teacher of the Year program for over a decade. Lawyer Melinda H. South of the law firm's Richmond office serves on the Selection Committee.

Candidates are nominated by school divisions in each of the state’s eight administrative regions. Portfolios submitted by the candidates which highlight their accomplishments, educational philosophies and community activities are reviewed by the Selection Panel. This year's Selection Panel included teachers, representatives of educational associations, members of the business community and 2011 Virginia Teacher of the Year LaTonya E. Waller of Richmond. From the portfolio and letters of recommendation from divisions, colleagues and supporters, the eight regional teachers of the year are chosen.

The eight 2012 Regional Teachers of the Year are:

Region 1:  Jamie B Mullenaux, Mechanicsville Elementary, Hanover County

Region 2:  Thomas A. Shenk, John Tyler Elementary, Portsmouth

Region 3:  Lori G. Askew, Bowling Green Elementary, Caroline County

Region 4:  Jamie B. Sawatzky, Rocky Run Middle, Fairfax County

Region 5:  Margaret A. Smith, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation, Lynchburg

Region 6:  Carol L. Webster, Burton Center for Arts and Technology and William Byrd High, Roanoke County.

Region 7:  Tiffany D. Carter, Bland Elementary, Bland County

Region 8:  Rachel B. Johnson, La Crosse Elementary, Mecklenburg

The lawyers and staff of Allen & Allen wish Meg Smith much success as she will now represent Virginia in the National Teacher of the Year competition in Washington.

Related Attorneys

• R. Clayton Allen
• Melinda H. South