Jefferson Forest HS special education teacher wins Region 5 Teacher of the Year

James Dalpino
·2 min read

BEDFORD, Va. (WFXR) — During a surprise visit from Jefferson Forest High School superintendent, Lisa Coons on April 17, special education teacher, Genevive Weaver, was named the 2025 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 5.

“The dedication and commitment Mrs. Weaver has towards supporting her students and the Jefferson Forest High School community is inspiring,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “She has built collaborative classrooms tailored to her student’s unique abilities and has helped shape the culture at her school. It is wonderful to be here today joining her students, their families, and her colleagues to help celebrate the selfless and invaluable work she does every single day.”

Weaver believes that anyone has the ability to learn and has devoted her life to supporting students with disabilities and their families. She often strives to give her students experiences they would not otherwise have, giving them opportunities to feel a sense of unity, purpose, and connection, and works hard to understand the need of each family.

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Providing her students with guidance and connections to local organizations, Weaver knocks down the barriers that might otherwise keep students from engaging in the community.

Weaver’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. She also dedicates her spare time to a non-profit ice cream trailer and storefront she helped create, ‘craveABLES.’ The non-profit empowers people with disabilities by providing meaningful employment, skill development, opportunities for social integration, and ultimately works towards changing the perception of others throughout the community.

“Mrs. Weaver’s energy and love for her students are obvious to anyone who meets her,” said Jefferson Forest High School Principal Brian Wilson. “She works with our students with the greatest needs, and she meets those needs daily. She partners with a team of teachers and paraprofessionals to provide well-planned individualized support for all students and goes above and beyond to help each student grow.”

Weaver, along with the seven other Regional Teachers of the Year, will now be nominees for the 2025 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced later this spring.

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