Dr. Cameron at Freedom High School is by far the best teacher in PWC schools. She is responsive, patient and extremly dedicated to her students. In my son's 12 years of school never has a teacher taken the time to recognize him for his improvement throughout her class. Dr. Cameron is awesome - hands down!

Yolanda Farmer, Manassas Park Middle School. She is always positive about everything and is a ball of energy that helps her ESOL students learn English in a supporting, caring and nurturing environment. She believes that no matter what, all students can and will learn, and has spread that attitude to not only her students, but her colleagues as well.

Ms. Tracy Holland from Cougar Elementary School in Manassas Park. She is an outstanding teacher, you see her at everything, handles both lower and higher kids so everyone makes considerable progress after a year in her room. Everyone I know who has had kids with her just thinks the world of her and talks about how his or her child thrived with Ms. Holland.

Jason Calhoun- Gar-Field High School, Chemistry. Brings a college attitude and teaching style to the classroom with a true concept of what it means to be educated. Many teachers are credentialized but not educated; Cornell did him well, he gives students the desire to pursue more than what can be found in a textbook.

Ingrid Perry (spanish teacher) and Dan Buckley (math teacher) at Gar-Field HS are some that come to mind.

Larry Baker (computer science) at Gar-Field HS puts out more CS students into the top schools with CS programs than any school in PWCS. Professional, responsive, and a parent and student favorite.

Larry Baker (computer science) at Gar-Field because he not only teaches theoretical skills but life skills as well. He is not only a great teacher, but he is a mentor. Even as students leave high school, they never forget his lessons. He is absolutely inspirational.

Teresa Kitchen (Biology teacher) at Gar-Field High School because she is so meticulous and teaches skills that I have used throughout my entire college career. Her passion for biology is contagious and second to none. Mrs. Kitchen has had a great impact on my career choice. She is my role model.

The recession.

The recession was the hangover to the party of runaway real estate and goverment expenditures.

The recession taught us that neither politicians who want to give homes to everyone nor bankers who want to lend federally insured money to everyone are our friends.

The recession also taught us that, ultimately, we as individuals, and our individual greed compounded by our gleeful individual ignorance are to blame for the recession, and for its tardy departure.

Lessons like this can only be taught by a rude awakening and unvarnished truth, often painfully and self-inflicted.

For these reasons, I nominated the Recession as the educator of the decade in Prince William County.

The only question that remains is, did we learn anything?

Ms. Elizabeth Meyers at Beville Middle School (7th grade English). She is not only a great teacher but a great coach as well. She is always there for her children and her cheerleaders. She gives them advice, but still encourages them to choose their own way. She is going to be missed.

Dr Patrick Ware at Fitzgerald Elem. (general music teacher) Not only does Dr Ware have a love for music and the kids he also works in many aspects of the community in the school. This is just some of his hats he has in the school:

General Music Teacher
Choral Director
Safety Patrol Sponsor
SCA Sponsor
PTSO Treasurer
Mentor program Sponsor
Elementary Choral Librarian

He is a wonderful teacher and person.

Mr. Hoyle from Minnieville Elementary deserves the award for the best teacher. He taught my daughter in 3rd grade and helped her grow not only academically, but socially. He took the time for each student and would even communicate during the weekends or breaks. He goes above and beyond and encourages each child to do their best. She will miss him next year.

Kathy Bacon at Mayfield Imtermediate. Kathy teaches math and comes up with exciting lessons to challenge students and feeds their appetite to learn.

Monica Lamont at Weems Elementary School overcomes all barriers and obstacles to reach her students.