Brian Letourneau, a social studies teacher at Hanover High School (HHS), has been selected as this year’s Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Teacher of the Year.
Letourneau has taught in HCPS for the entirety of his 22-year instructional career, teaching Advanced Placement U.S. History, International Baccalaureate History of the Americas I, World History I and II, Virginia and U.S. History, and U.S. Government. He will now compete for the Region I Superintendents’ Teacher of the Year award.
“I am thrilled to earn this recognition, and it is also humbling. At Hanover, I work with a group of dedicated professionals who put their students first and work diligently to help students achieve their goals,” Letourneau said. “I see this same level of dedication in my colleagues across the county and, especially, from the teachers of my own children at Pole Green Elementary School and Oak Knoll Middle School. To be selected by my peers and representatives of our school system as their Teacher of the Year is truly an honor.”
He added: “I am thankful for all of the amazing teachers and administrators I have worked with over the years who have taught me so much about the profession. In addition, I am thankful for all of the support for our school system coming from the parents and students of Hanover County. This is a community that values and supports education, and it helps make our students' education better and more meaningful.”
Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, made the surprise announcement recently during a special staff meeting inside the HHS auditorium as Letourneau’s co-workers and family cheered on.
Letourneau, a University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University alumnus, said his favorite part of teaching is working with students.
“I enjoy getting to know my students -- their interests, hobbies, passions, and career aspirations. I enjoy working with my students to impart a love of learning, an appreciation of the importance of understanding history, and to help them become stronger students, as prepared as they can be for their next steps in life,” he said. “Every day in the classroom is a little different which makes it very interesting and challenging, but the one constant is always having the chance to make a positive difference. My students are positive, hopeful, and want to succeed; that energy makes me love coming to work each day.”
HHS Principal Kristina Reece said she “cannot think of a better teacher to represent Hanover High School and Hanover County as Teacher of the Year.” Letourneau has taught at the school since it opened for the 2002-03 school year.
“Mr. Letourneau has been a fixture at HHS since day one,” said Reece. “Mr. Letourneau gives his heart and soul to his students, his colleagues, and his community each day. It is an honor to work alongside Mr. Letourneau and I look forward to many more years together.”
In addition to his teaching of social studies, Letourneau is a longtime coach in Hanover County. He has coached baseball and softball, boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls volleyball. He currently serves as an assistant activities director for HHS.
HCPS employs approximately 1,470 teachers. Each year, the division selects one teacher for this distinguished award who is actively and meaningfully involved in the school and community and can serve as a role model and ambassador for teachers in the division.