Fairfax County Teacher Scores Virginia Lottery Award

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Lottery wins usually result from a touch of good luck, but that wasn't the case when the Virginia Lottery awarded a Fairfax County teacher a Super Teacher Award Monday. Angela DeHart, a home economics teacher at Glasgow Middle School in Lincolnia, was surprised with the award in front of students, faculty and special guests. The award is a $2,000 cash prize and $2,000 classroom credit.

Eight educators are selected each year to receive the honor, and DeHart represents the Northern Virginia region. The Virginia Lottery received more than 1,000 nominations this year.

Fellow teacher Rae Benavage said DeHart's work has resulted in a $1,000 grant for establishing a recycle program in areas of the school. "Her desire to help students broaden their exposure to what is possible, what is being offered/available for them to take advantage of is an important attribute in their ability to see the possibilities in their future," Benavage said.

The judges selected the eight winners based on the nominators' responses to questions addressing different aspects of a good teacher. The questions ranged from passion for and commitment to teaching, to innovation and creativity in the classroom, to how the teacher engages parents.

The award is sponsored by the Virginia Lottery, the Virginia PTA and Virginia-based The Supply Room Companies.

(Left to right) Fairfax County teacher Angela DeHart receives an award from Virginia Lottery Executive Director Paula Otto, Lauren Jones of Supply Room Companies and Donna Colombo of the Virginia PTA. Image via Virginia Lottery