Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) has announced that the reading specialist at Jenkins Elementary School will serve as the 2025–26 Elementary and Division-wide Teacher of the Year. This individual will represent fellow teachers and provide guidance on supporting student learning.
According to NNPS, the Teacher of the Year shared her experiences and insights at the New Teacher Celebration on August 4. She emphasized the significance of building relationships with students and colleagues, utilizing support systems to navigate challenges, and customizing lessons to meet student needs. She advised students to be kind, persevere, read regularly, and recognize their strengths while encouraging families to engage with teachers, spend time learning with their children, support reading initiatives, and stay informed about school activities.
Young, originally from Southern California, transitioned from a kinesiology path to teaching after funding cuts. She earned degrees from California State University-Long Beach, Christopher Newport University, and the University of Virginia. Young completed her student teaching at Carver Elementary School, taught multiple grade levels there, and was named Carver’s Teacher of the Year in 2016. After completing a reading specialist program in 2019, she joined Jenkins Elementary School where she mentors teachers, supports literacy programs, works with students in small groups, serves on leadership teams, and contributes to tutoring initiatives such as QuEST Tutoring and WE LEAP.
“Sometimes teachers get overwhelmed and you’ve got to find your joy,” said Young according to NNPS. “You’ve got to remember why you’re doing this. What is your why? And I think that’s what keeps me going.” Young added that she enjoys working with both students and teachers to help everyone recognize their strengths because “everybody has them.”
NNPS serves approximately 26,000 students across 40 schools including early childhood centers; elementary; middle; high; and combination schools. The district employs roughly 3,900 teachers, administrators, and support staff focusing on preparing all students for college readiness as well as career opportunities while being citizen-ready. Additionally noted by NNPS are its early learning programs along with advanced science labs plus educational technology aimed at supporting success among both students alongside educators alike. The seven-member elected School Board governs this district under Dr. Michele Mitchell’s superintendency whose meetings remain open allowing structured citizen input opportunities.
