Ashburn Educator Named Preschool Teacher of the Year

Chesterbrook Academy preschool in Ashburn Farms is honored to announce that educator Kirsten Benavides has been named Preschool Teacher of the Year by Chesterbrook Academy’s parent organization, Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. (NLCI). Benavides was nominated for the national award by the school’s principal, executive director, fellow teachers and students' parents. The award was formally presented to Benavides at NLCI’s national principal conference, which was held in Las Vegas this month.

As Preschool Teacher of the Year, Benavides was recognized for consistently finding new, innovative ways to keep students engaged in the classroom and incorporating all areas of STEM in lessons. From bringing a record player to school so students can hear the difference between vinyl records and CDs to transforming her classroom into a space center so students can learn what it's like to be an astronaut, Benavides knows how to create a fun learning environment to provide the best possible experience for her students. Benavides is also a team player, always willing to support fellow teachers by helping them come up with new ideas for their lesson plans and applying her artistic abilities to decorate vibrant backdrops in classrooms.

“Kirsten’s classroom is an explosion of learning. From innovative, large group games to fun journal entries that range from writing skills to graphing, there is never a dull moment,” said Keisha Hilliard, principal of Chesterbrook Academy. “She truly loves her work and will share with anyone that teaching and spending time with children is her passion. She feels privileged to call this her ‘job.’”

NLCI’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers who stand out by demonstrating a strong commitment to inspire, motivate and educate students and staff. Along with the title Preschool Teacher of the Year and the all-expenses-paid trip to the national conference in Las Vegas, Benavides will receive a cash award and a round-trip airline ticket to anywhere in the U.S.

"I am honored to join such an elite and distinguished group of educators who represent the best within our schools,” said Benavides. “Simply put, there are so many outstanding innovative and revolutionary teachers out there who challenge, inspire and assist the art of discovery every day. I am dedicating this to them."

Benavides has been a teacher for eight years and has worked at Chesterbrook Academy since December 2011. She currently teaches students in the school’s Pre-K 2 program.

Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Ashburn Farms is located at 43800 Clemens Terrace in Ashburn. The school offers preschool programs for infants through Pre-K 2.

About Chesterbrook Academy Preschool

Chesterbrook Academy preschool in Ashburn, Va., is part of Nobel Learning Communities, Inc., a national network of more than 200 nonsectarian private schools, including preschools, K-8 and high schools in 19 states across the nation and the District of Columbia. Chesterbrook Academy schools provide high quality private education, with a challenging and well-rounded curriculum, caring and skilled teachers and attention to individual learning styles. They also offer before and after school care and summer camp. For more information on Chesterbrook Academy, or to find a school near you, please visit www.ChesterbrookAcademy.com.