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Emily Vican, a special education teacher at Liberty Middle School (LMS), has been named the 2024-25 Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Superintendent of Schools, made the surprise announcement on Friday, May 2, recognizing Ms. Vican as the school division’s top new educator for the school year.
“I feel incredibly honored to be recognized as HCPS Beginning Teacher of the Year. I work alongside many incredible, capable first year teachers, so it's definitely been a humbling experience that has been a bit difficult to grasp,” said Ms. Vican, a Virginia Commonwealth University alumna. “I am truly grateful to work with such amazing colleagues.”
LMS Principal Mrs. Sherry Lycett said Ms. Vican is a worthy selection to represent the school division.
“Ms. Vican is truly deserving to represent the division as the Beginning Teacher of the Year for her exceptional dedication, adaptability, and empathy,” she said. “She builds strong, individualized relationships with their students, fosters inclusive learning environments, and collaborates effectively with families and support staff.”
Mrs. Lycett added: “Despite being new to the role, Ms. Vican actively seeks feedback, implements evidence-based strategies, and remains committed to professional growth and student success.”
Ms. Vican called her first year of teaching a “whirlwind.” She said that she’s especially enjoyed getting to know her students and fellow faculty and staff during this first year of teaching.
“My favorite part of teaching has been the relationships I have built with my students and colleagues,” she said. “On the rough days, those relationships have kept me positive and pushing forward.”
She added: “There's been a constant learning curve, and honestly, moments where I felt like I was just trying to keep my head above water. With that said, there have also been incredibly rewarding moments. While I can't pinpoint one single 'favorite' story or moment, I can say that the biggest win of this year is realizing that this is where I want to be. Despite the struggles, I have truly enjoyed working with the students and watching them grow, and I am excited to continue this journey!”
Ms. Vican is a member of the groundbreaking Provisional Academy for Teachers in Hanover, a three-year program launched by HCPS in 2022 that supports provisionally licensed teachers by offering a concentrated in-house curriculum, a collaborative environment, and job embedded experiences to help them grow in their profession. Teachers who successfully complete this program receive a full teaching license, saving them thousands of dollars by completing this coursework in-house versus having to complete the required coursework at a college or university.
“Without the instruction received from PATH, and the support received from my instructors, mentors, admin, and colleagues, I can honestly say that I would not be where I am now,” Ms. Vican shared. “I am just very grateful for this opportunity and all of the support I have received.”
Each year, HCPS selects one new teacher for this distinguished award who exhibits several qualities, such as: being inspirational, poised, articulate, and knowledgeable; exceptionally skilled and dedicated; respected and admired by students, parents, and colleagues; and actively and meaningfully involved in their school and community.