2024 Outstanding Secondary Teacher, Finalists, and School Recipients

The Outstanding Secondary Teachers Recognized at FCPS Honors

The Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award recognizes secondary teachers who demonstrate dedication, commitment, and the ability to propel students to high levels of success. The recipients meet students' individual needs, foster talent, instill a desire to learn, and nurture cooperative relationships among colleagues and the community. Any FCPS employee or community member may nominate teachers with at least three full years of experience for this award.

2024 Outstanding Secondary School Teacher

Madison McKenna

Severe Disabilities Teacher
West Springfield High School, Region 4

Madi works tirelessly to create unique and inclusive experiences for all students at West Springfield High School. She encourages her fellow Spartans to find the beauty in connecting with others and to foster meaningful relationships in the world of education.Through her reestablishment of Buddies Club, her initiative to enroll students with disabilities in Leadership and Student Government Association, and her sponsorship of many senior classes, Madi has been able to bridge the social gap between her students and their peers. She has established a family dynamic with her team and together, they provide opportunities for students that may never have been possible otherwise. The passion that she exudes is infectious and has inspired the next generation to pursue a career in special education.

2024 Outstanding Secondary School Teacher Finalist

Ty Augustin

Health & Physical Education Teacher
Sandburg Middle School, Region 3

Ty is an energetic, passionate, and dedicated educator and leader who believes in the holistic development of students and pushes to ensure that every student at Sandburg feels seen, valued, and supported. Through her innate ability to connect meaningfully with students, Ty works to instill in every student the belief that they can grow, be well and succeed now and in the future. What truly sets Ty apart is her innovative and forward-thinking approach as demonstrated through her various roles in the building. She is a change agent who always offers creative solutions in the best interest of students and staff. She serves as a beacon of hope for all who come into contact with her.

2024 Outstanding Secondary School Teacher Finalist

Rocco DeBonis

Librarian
Fairfax County Adult High School, Non-Region

Rocco believes the library is the biggest classroom in the school. As a school librarian, he strives to support and supplement curriculum in the classroom, to offer fun and enrichment in the library, and to provide outreach to stakeholders and community members beyond the library’s walls. He is the first-ever librarian at the Fairfax County Adult High School, where he continues to build a digital and physical library tailored to the needs of the Adult High School’s bi-lingual emergent students. Rocco supports staff and students at the school’s three campuses and in its day and evening programs. He strives to expand the school librarian role by offering co-teaching, literacy coaching, knowledge management, and digital librarianship.

2024 Outstanding Secondary School Teacher Finalist

Maya Gueron

ESOL Teacher
Madison High School, Region 1

Maya is constantly learning and implementing new ways to support English learners in the Madison pyramid. As a teacher, she builds off students’ diverse strengths and experiences to cultivate a classroom culture of growth and possibility. She invites students to think deeply, solve real-world problems, and communicate effectively. As department chair, Maya also helps champion instructional practices that help students across the school learn and show what they know. Most importantly, she strives to involve English learners and their families in the larger school community by lowering communication barriers and actively inviting their input and participation. Her work is characterized by creativity, patience, and a firm belief that everyone has gifts to foster and share with the world.

2024 Outstanding Secondary School Teacher Finalist

Colleen Nolan

Intellectual Disabilities Teacher
Marshall High School, Region 5

Colleen strongly believes that every student has the potential and ability to learn. Her goal is to make sure that students have the skills needed to be as independent as possible as well as to be active members of their communities after their time at Marshall High School. Colleen strives to provide a safe learning environment, to demonstrate responsible citizenship, and to empower students to achieve. Colleen enjoys being a part of the Marshall school community by acting as an advisor to the Best Buddies club and Special Olympics Unified team as well as being a Marshall Swim and Dive coach. Colleen is honored to work with her school team - students, teachers, and families - to facilitate student growth and achievement.

2024 Outstanding Secondary School Teacher Finalist

Amber Ucekay

Learning Disabilities Teacher
Lewis High School, Region 6

As an educator, coach, mentor, and member of the Lewis community, Amber is dedicated to forming bonds that promote inclusion, innovation, and confidence. As a learning disabilities teacher, Amber creates an inclusive environment where every student's unique abilities are celebrated and nurtured. Amber’s innovative teaching methods and compassionate approach foster a love of learning that inspires students to surpass academic challenges and embrace their full potential. Her commitment to equity and accessibility ensures that every student and colleague receives the resources and encouragement they need to thrive. Through her tireless advocacy and guidance, she instills confidence and determination, empowering her students and colleagues to overcome obstacles and achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.

2024 Outstanding Secondary School Teacher Finalist

Rebecca Van Vranken

ESOL Teacher
McLean High School, Region 2

Rebecca inspires, motivates, and encourages all her students through high standards, a relentless work ethic, and a caring and welcoming classroom environment. She is a strong advocate for student achievement and encourages her students to not only achieve academically but to set goals to achieve their dreams. She sees the limitless potential in all her students. She ensures that her students have the proper support to be successful in school and collaborates closely with her department, content teachers, counselors, administrators, and families to seek inventive ways to increase engagement and build confident and resilient students. In her classes, “no one can slack, and we don’t worry about grades, we focus on the learning.”