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Karina D'Estefano, a Spanish teacher at Liberty Middle School (LMS), has been named the 2025-26 Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Beginning Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Superintendent of Schools, made the surprise announcement on Friday, May 1, recognizing Ms. D'Estefano as the school division’s top new educator for the school year.
“Receiving the Beginning Teacher of the Year recognition is truly an honor. As a first-year teacher, it is incredibly meaningful to feel seen and supported by my school community,” said Ms. D’Estefano, a Virginia Commonwealth University alumna.
Ms. D’Estefano is a career switcher, having previously worked in health care, and is a participant in
the groundbreaking Provisional Academy for Teachers in Hanover (PATH), a three-year program launched by HCPS in 2022 that supports provisionally licensed teachers by offering a concentrated in-house curriculum, a collaborative environment, and job embedded experiences to help them grow in their profession. Teachers who successfully complete this program receive a full teaching license, saving them thousands of dollars by completing this coursework in-house versus having to complete the required coursework at a college or university.
“This recognition reflects not only my work, but also the guidance, encouragement, and collaboration I have received from my colleagues, the PATH program, and administration,” she said. “It motivates me to continue growing, reflecting, and doing my best to create a positive and supportive learning environment for my students.”
LMS Principal Mrs. Sherry Lycett said Ms. D’Estefano is a worthy selection to represent the school division.
“Ms. D’Estefano quickly distinguished herself through her creativity, dedication, and strong relationships with students and colleagues. She thoughtfully designs engaging, innovative lessons that meet the needs of her learners, while taking the time to truly understand each student as an individual,” she said. “Ms. D’Estefano’s commitment to continuous growth and to the teaching profession make her a valuable part of our teaching staff.”
Ms. D’Estefano called her first year of teaching “both challenging and incredibly rewarding.”
“One moment that deeply impacted me was during the holiday season when I wrote personalized cards to each of my students. One student became emotional and shared that no teacher had ever done that for her before,” she said. “After that, I saw a noticeable change in her confidence and participation in class. That experience reminded me how powerful it is for students to feel valued and supported.”
She added: “I have also learned the importance of reflection and flexibility. For example, when a lesson did not engage students as I had hoped, I adjusted my approach by incorporating movement and interaction, which led to full student engagement and success. These experiences have shaped my understanding that teaching is not about perfection, but about being responsive to students’ needs.”
Ms. D’Estefano said her personal journey has shaped the way she approaches teaching.
“As someone who moved to the United States nine years ago and learned a new language while adapting to a new culture, I understand the challenges my students may face when learning Spanish. This perspective allows me to approach my students with empathy, patience, and understanding,” she said.
She added: “I am incredibly grateful for all the support I have received this year; I could not have done it without the people who have poured into my growth throughout this experience. This recognition reflects a collaborative and supportive school community, and I am excited to continue growing as an educator, making a positive impact on my students’ lives, and representing LMS as we celebrate earning Beginning Teacher of the Year for the second year in a row. It is truly an honor!”
Each year, HCPS selects one new teacher for this distinguished award who exhibits several qualities, such as: being inspirational, poised, articulate, and knowledgeable; exceptionally skilled and dedicated; respected and admired by students, parents, and colleagues; and actively and meaningfully involved in their school and community.