Elizabeth Abraham, a second grade teacher at Arlington Science Focus School, was the surprise recipient of a Virginia Lottery “Super Teacher” award at a school-wide assembly yesterday.
Students, faculty, PTA representatives, school board members, Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy, and Del. Patrick Hope — along with Abraham’s husband and two children — were on hand when Abraham was told she was the first of eight teachers statewide who will receive the award this year.
Abraham will receive a $2,000 cash prize from the lottery, as well as $2,000 classroom supply credit.
“Beth’s commitment to students of all levels is unmistakable,” said Arlington Science Focus School PTA President Noah Simon. “Whether it is the differentiated guided reading groups she established or her firm yet supportive classroom management style, her students develop and keep the will to learn and excel.”
Simon also noted that Abraham has been working beyond her contract hours to help an at-risk student “whose behavior has not only improved, but is serving as an example classmates can follow.”
Funds raised by the Virginia Lottery provided more than $430 million last year for Virginia public schools, representing about 8 percent of state funding for public education.
Photo courtesy Frank Bellavia/Arlington Public Schools