Two local educators are being recognized for their exceptional contributions to students and school communities. Rebecca McCray, a reading interventionist at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School, has been honored as Richmond Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year, while Christine Suders, an English teacher at Hermitage High School, has been named Henrico County Public Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year.

McCray, a reading interventionist with more than a decade of teaching experience, has a passion for literacy instruction and fosters a culture of equity at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary. She leads the school’s Racial Equity and Diversity Team, co-leads its Climate and Culture Committee and supports literacy curriculum development across the division. McCray will now compete for Region One Teacher of the Year.

While McCray’s work focuses on literacy and equity in Richmond, Suders is being celebrated for her leadership and innovative approach to education in Henrico County. Suders, who joined Hermitage High in 2019, chairs the English Department, co-sponsors the school’s National Honor Society chapter and started an annual community literacy night festival. Her colleagues recognized her with the school’s Golden Apple Award in 2023 for her mentorship and support.

 Henrico County Teacher of the Year Christine Suders is congratulated by her daughters at Hermitage High School, as Amy Cashwell, Henrico County Public Schools superintendent, looks on.
 Photo courtesy of Henrico County Public Schools  

 I’m just so thrilled to be the face of a much bigger community,” Suders said. “It’s a win for all the hard work this community does. It means the world that the students and this incredible place are getting the positive recognition that I’ve known for so long they deserve.”

Suders began her teaching career at Varina High School and holds degrees from Eastern Mennonite University and Longwood University. Her application for the award highlighted her advocacy for wraparound services to address absenteeism, including mental health care and flexible learning paths.