John Adams Elementary School fourth-grade educator Stacey Hoeflich earned national recognition earlier this month after being named the country’s top history teacher.
Hoeflich, who was named Virginia’s history teacher of the year in June, received the annual national honor from co-sponsors Preserve America, the History Channel and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in New York City on October 18. She was selected ahead of teachers from across the country, U.S. territories and Defense Department schools.
“Her unique vision enables her students to understand and appreciate how our country’s rich legacy has shaped their lives, and she represents what teaching and learning is all about: engaging all students to become lifelong learners,” said Superintendent Morton Sherman, who congratulated Hoeflich in person.
For her outstanding work, Hoeflich will receive a $1,000 prize and Gilder Lehrman will bestow her West End elementary school with a supply of books and resources.
Hoeflich, who is a 13-year veteran of the fourth grade, worked with the school’s vocal music teacher, Wes McCune, to help her students write, produce and perform original and historically accurate operas. Her work has earned her previous recognition as the Mount Vernon Teacher of the Year and Technology Integration Educator Award winner.
