Article Text

Fairfax County Public Schools is highlighting two award-winning educators during National Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, observed May 5–9, 2025.

Shea Hestmark and Symone Keolani Jenkins, both 2024 FCPS Honors winners, were recognized for supporting students while also taking on leadership, mentoring and curriculum responsibilities within their schools.

Shea Hestmark

Hestmark, the 2024 Outstanding Elementary School Teacher, teaches second grade at Columbia Elementary School. Her classroom is designed to be welcoming, equitable and inclusive, giving students a safe environment in which to take risks and develop as learners.

Her work extends throughout the school. Hestmark leads her second-grade team, serves as Columbia’s Equity Lead and co-chairs its Technology Committee. She also coordinates collaborative math planning, mentors new teachers and shares instructional practices across the Annandale High School pyramid.

Colleagues describe Hestmark as a calm and trusted presence, including during difficult discussions. They frequently recognize her with Cougar Cards, a schoolwide expression of appreciation for teamwork and positivity.

Symone Keolani Jenkins

Jenkins, the 2024 Outstanding Secondary School New Teacher, teaches English at West Potomac High School. She joined the classroom midyear in April 2022 and quickly established an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages students to build confidence, strengthen their voices and prepare for high school’s academic demands.

She has since become West Potomac’s ninth-grade team leader and has helped the English department align curricula and assessments across grade levels. Jenkins also mentored a first-year teacher during the 2024-25 school year.

One colleague described Jenkins as “everything I admire about teachers,” citing the energy, dedication and strong relationships she brings to the school community.