NNPS teacher named 2025 Virginia regional teacher of the year
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Department of Education has named Crittenden Middle School teacher Chanda Woods the 2025 Virginia Region 2 Teacher of the year.
The surprise announcement was made on Wednesday, April 10 in the school’s library where Woods’ students cheered her on along with Del. Shelly Simonds, Newport News Public Schools board members and administration staff.
Chanda Woods was named 2025 Virginia Region 2 Teacher (Courtesy of NNPS) Chanda Woods was named 2025 Virginia Region 2 Teacher (Courtesy of NNPS) Chanda Woods was named 2025 Virginia Region 2 Teacher (Courtesy of NNPS)
“I don’t know what to say except thank you,” Woods said. “They’re my happy place. Middle school is challenging every day; I’m thankful I get to be a part of their lives every day and I work with wonderful people. This is what I’ve wanted to do since I was 12, so these are my children.”
The 25-year teaching veteran teacher is among eight regional finalists for state teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced May 6 and will be Virginia’s nominee for 2025 National Teacher of the Year.
“It’s a tremendous honor and point of pride to have one our teachers recognized at this level among the best in the state of Virginia,” said Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. “We are thrilled to join the community in celebrating Chanda’s teaching career, impact on students and positive influence every day at Crittenden.”
This type of honor is nothing new for Woods, as she was also named NNPS teacher of the year for the 2023-24 year and Crittenden teacher of the year the same year.
Woods began her teaching career at NNPS in 2000 after earning her bachelors degree from the State University of New York at Albany.
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