2025 Principal and Teacher of the Year

Two highly-accomplished Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) educators were celebrated as Suzanne Hess was announced as the 2025 ACPS Principal of the Year (POY) and Sharon Phox as Teacher of the Year (TOY) at the Alexandria City School Board meeting on May 8, 2025.

Hess has been a part of the ACPS family for more than two decades and is the principal of Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School. Phox, an educator and mentor for 20 years, teaches third grade, serving as an English language (EL) teacher at James K. Polk Elementary School. 

School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief and Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt made the 2025 POY and TOY announcement, acknowledging how all ACPS’ principals and teachers inspire, guide and foster a love for learning in our students, contributing to their overall success.

Videos highlighting Hess and Phox were viewed at a reception prior to the School Board meeting.

Hess joined ACPS in 2001 at John Adams Elementary School, establishing herself as a dynamic educator with a passion for nurturing young minds. Her leadership abilities became evident in her various roles within ACPS, culminating in her position as an English learner (EL) specialist and department chair, where she championed inclusive practices and student success. In 2015, Hess embraced a new challenge as she was appointed assistant principal at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School - and then went on to become its principal. Hess emphasizes collaboration, motivation and support as cornerstones of her educational philosophy. Principal Hess’ commitment to education is deeply rooted in the inspirational legacy of Naomi L. Brooks and her motto, “Bloom where you are planted,” which is illustrated in the nurturing school environment Hess has created among her students and staff.

Phox exhibits a strong commitment to instructional excellence and academic success for all students and uses her endorsement of English as a second language to emphasize differentiated instruction in order to meet the needs of a diverse student population. She works tirelessly to ensure students’ strengths are highlighted and their needs are supported. Her core teaching beliefs center around the conviction that every student has the potential to succeed, and her role is to adapt her instruction to meet her students’ needs. Phox also serves as a mentor coordinator, coaching new staff on best practices and monitoring their progress during the school year. Her involvement in school activities also extends to the school’s annual talent show and the school garden project. Phox has also been named the 2026 Virginia Regional Teacher of the Year for Region Four by the Virginia Department of Education and was most recently selected the recipient of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s Educator of the Year award, which will be presented as part of its upcoming Community Champions event.

The 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists, named in December 2024, were also celebrated at the School Board meeting for their outstanding service.

• Alexandria City High School – Sheila Hyman-Reynolds
• Charles Barrett Elementary School – Heather VanKuiken
• Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology – Katie Dorgan
• Douglas MacArthur Elementary School – Bobbi Wade
• Early Childhood Center – Lorna Eaton
• Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School – Robert Callahan
• Francis C. Hammond Middle School – Kamini Shanmuganathan
• George Mason Elementary School – Justin Wood
• George Washington Middle School – Evan Sonoda
• James K. Polk Elementary School – Sharon Phox
• Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School – Karon Powell
• John Adams Elementary School – Ventura Loving
•  Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy – Tara Gross
• Mount Vernon Community School – Jana Lamontagne
• Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School – Chelsea Rufli
• Patrick Henry K-8 School – Michael Veale
• Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School – Beckie Anderson
• William Ramsay Elementary School – Anne Booth

ACPS proudly celebrates the work of our educators who give their all to ensure a positive impact for all students and the Alexandria community