The Virginia Education Association named Delegate Rob Krupicka (D-45) Rookie of the Year for his efforts to support public schools and teachers during his first General Assembly session.

The former state Board of Education member and city councilor earned the accolade for his work on expanding resources available to teachers, encouraging localities to embrace pre-kindergarten and changing the way administrators evaluate students’ test performances.

Krupicka pledged to continue focusing on education policy after receiving the award at the association’s annual convention earlier this month.

“I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues in the coming years to ensure Virginia is the best state in the country and a leader in the world in education,” he said in a statement.

The association also honored state Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-35) as its Legislator of the Year. Saslaw, who represents a portion of the city, got the nod for his efforts at creating smaller class sizes, funding school construction projects and incorporating technology into classrooms.

“There is no denying the link between a vibrant economy and first-rate public schools,” Saslaw said in a statement. “That’s why I will continue my efforts to make sure that our schools have the resources and the support that they need to thrive.”