VDOE names Blacksburg HS teacher Region 6 Teacher of the Year

James Dalpino
·2 min read

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — Blacksburg High School career and technical education, and agricultural teacher, Candace Nichole Carrier, has been named the 2025 Virginia Region 6 Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

Mrs. Carrier has been a teacher and a mentor for 20 years. She is a pioneer for women in career and technical education, starting the dual-enrolled welding program at Blacksburg High School and she previously served as the first female agricultural teacher at Broadway High School in Rockingham County.

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“Mrs. Carrier provides hands-on opportunities for students to learn about exciting futures in agriculture and welding,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. “She has helped countless students discover a love for trade and technical work and illuminates for many students the post-secondary educational paths that are available. I am delighted to recognize her with this award and celebrate all her hard work and accomplishments.”

Mrs. Carrier believes that building a positive relationship with students can be linked to their success in the classroom. Through creating these relationships, she’s found that this creates a learning environment where students are more eager to engage in classroom discussions, critical thinking, challenging students in deeper learning.

“Mrs. Carrier epitomizes the characteristics of the ideal teacher that we all want for our children,” said Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Bernard Bragen Jr. “Her passion and enthusiasm for teaching and children is reflective in the performance of her students. We are grateful to have her as a member of our faculty.”

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Along with this award, Mrs. Carrier was recognized as the 2024 Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and 2023 Teacher of the Year for Blacksburg High School.

She, along with the seven other Regional Teacher of the Year awardees are nominated for the 20245 Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Award announced late this spring.

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