Less than a year after graduating from the University of Lynchburg with a bachelor’s degree in special education — general curriculum (K-12), Mia Sullivan ’23 was named “Novice Outstanding Educator of the Year” at her school.
Sullivan, a first-year special education teacher at Kerrydale Elementary School in Woodbridge, Virginia, received the award from her principal on Jan. 18. According to Sullivan, her colleagues recommended her for the honor.
“Growing up, I was always interested in special education and becoming a special education teacher,” she said. “I have always had a huge heart for people with disabilities. I knew that by becoming a special educator I would ensure that my future students have a safe place and an adult they can trust.”
Sullivan has 10 students at Kerrydale — kindergarten to fifth grade — in what she describes as a “self-contained … emotional disability classroom.” She also teaches the Standards of Learning, or SOL, curriculum for all grade levels.
“My first-year teaching experience has been very positive,” she said. “I continue to learn a lot about my students’ learning and behavior, the SOL curriculum, and strategies to ensure I’m reaching them all.
“I’m extremely happy with where I am. I love the self-contained classroom environment and the sense of belonging it brings to my students. I have two teacher’s assistants that help me teach the six grade levels in my classroom.
“I’ve set up rotations within the classroom and my students have thrived off the structure.”
Sullivan added that she “cannot thank the special education professors enough for setting me up for success during my first year of teaching.” She specifically called out Dr. Andrew Bruce, Dr. Lucinda Spaulding, Dr. Randall Dunn, and Dr. Deanna Cash — all special education professors in Lynchburg’s College of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling.
“Each of them helped and prepared me throughout my four years at Lynchburg,” she said. “Their endless support, knowledge, and ideas shaped me into the special educator I am today.”
