HCPS Teacher of the Year Finalists

Sharing a deep passion for education and effusive praise from their students and fellow teachers, five Henrico County Public Schools teachers were officially selected Thursday as HCPS Teacher of the Year finalists for 2025.

The finalists, one representing each magisterial district, are:

  • Christine Suders, Hermitage H.S., English teacher (Brookland District)

  • Audra Vanderland, Glen Lea E.S., librarian (Fairfield District)

  • Adria Bader, J.R. Tucker H.S., English teacher (Three Chopt District)

  • Audra Callahan, Maybeury E.S., elementary music teacher (Tuckahoe District)

  • Sekani Grant, Elko M.S., social studies teacher (Varina District)

These five outstanding educators were chosen by their peers as the Teacher of the Year at their respective schools and nominated for the divisionwide award, which will be announced before Winter Break.

"[These teachers] exemplify the passion, high standards and meaningful engagement that are the hallmarks of public education," said Dr. Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent, in her announcement.

Last year's HCPS Teacher of the Year was Jennie Por, who teaches early childhood education and preschool at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs.

All Teacher of the Year nominees, finalists and the eventual winner will be honored at a banquet in the spring.

Congratulations to all our nominees and finalists!

Christine Suders, HCPS Teacher of the Year finalist from Hermitage HSSekani Grant, HCPS Teacher of the Year finalist from Elko MSAdria Bader, HCPS Teacher of the Year finalist from JR Tucker HSAudra Vanderland, HCPS Teacher of the Year finalist from Glen Lea ESAudra Callahan, HCPS Teacher of the Year finalist from Maybeury ES