Congratulations to the 2017–18 Teachers of the Year
Newport News Public Schools’ 2017–2018 Teachers of the Year were honored at a banquet in May. The evening also brought the announcement of the elementary, middle, high school and NNPS Teacher of the Year.
Chief Master Sergeant Chris Rambali, an Air Force ROTC instructor at Menchville High School, was named Division and High School Teacher of the Year. Chief Rambali has five years of experience in public education. He says his goal is “to develop citizens of character dedicated to serving their nation and community.” He instills the values of citizenship, personal responsibility and accomplishment in his student cadets.
Jennifer Fortunato, an eighth grade civics and economics teacher at Crittenden Middle School, was named Middle School Teacher of the Year. Fortunato has 12 years of experience in education with six years in Newport News Public Schools. Fortunato believes that good teaching—and in return real learning—requires finding the right balance of instruction for each class.
Briana Foster, third grade teacher at An Achievable Dream Academy, was named Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Foster believes that relationships are at the forefront of engagement, achievement and student success. Foster has five years of experience in education.
Newport News School Board appoints new superintendent
The Newport News School Board appointed Dr. George Parker, III as superintendent of Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) effective July 1. Dr. Parker previously served as superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools in Virginia.
Parker brings a wealth of experience to Newport News Public Schools, having served diverse student populations in Virginia Beach and Caroline County. He has increased access to college and career opportunities, expanded STEM education initiatives, increased student access to technology and partnered with businesses for student internships. Under his proven leadership, NNPS will continue to be an innovative and transformative school division.
Parker’s career in education began in 1983, following a four-year career in the U.S. Navy. He served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent of secondary schools in Virginia Beach City Public Schools before being named superintendent in Caroline County in 2015. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in computer science from Norfolk State University; his Master of Arts degree in educational leadership from Norfolk State University, and his Doctor of Philosophy in education leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech.
The School Board conducted a national search to fill the superintendent position after the retirement of Dr. Ashby Kilgore. The search included 44 applicants from 32 states, including 13 from Virginia.
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