Award-winning teacher motivates students to love learning

If it wasn’t enough to have Grammy-winning teacher Annie Ray in Annandale, we now have another outstanding educator – Shea Hestmark of Columbia Elementary School was named the 2024 FCPS Outstanding Elementary Teacher.

At an awards ceremony in June, Fairfax County Public Schools lauded Hestmark for being “a dedicated and passionate second-grade teacher committed to fostering a welcoming environment, supporting student agency, and creating rigorous learning opportunities.”

At that event, Annandale Principal Shawn DeRose was named Outstanding Principal, and Raven Jones of Luther Jackson Middle School was named Outstanding New Principal.

Hestmark has been at Columbia ES for the past eight years after earning graduate and master’s degrees from James Madison University.

Originally from Boston, Hestmark says, “I fell in love with Annandale and Columbia. It’s a very special school. It’s a wonderful place to work. It’s small, and has a lot of support from the community.”

According to FCPS, Hestmark successfully motivates her students to take risks and grow as learners. “Her commitment to equity and inclusion drives her to advocate for all students, ensuring each individual feels valued and supported in their educational journey.”

Hestmark believes the most important goal for an elementary school teacher is “creating trust with your students.”

“We’re asking them to put themselves out there academically, emotionally, and socially,” she says. “That helps them develop positive relationships with each other. Once they do that, education becomes something they enjoy.”  

Related story: FCPS presents awards to outstanding educators

Students come in with different skill levels. She sees her role as not just getting them to give the right answer but getting them to enjoy the process.

“The pandemic had a significant effect,” she notes. Young children attending school virtually experienced setbacks in social skills and the ability to pay attention.

This year, Hestnark saw “amazing progress.”

“Kids are resilient,” she says. “We’ve seen them bounce back and come into their own. The pandemic had many negatives, but one positive result is that students now have a renewed new appreciation for school.”

“Second graders are at the sweet spot,” she says. “They are so excited to learn. They’re not just learning to read and write and do basic arithmetic. They’re learning to be people. They’re filled with stories, and emotions, and playfulness.”

While she appreciates the honor of being named the top elementary teacher in Fairfax County, she says, “you don’t go into teaching for accolades; a handwritten note from a student is all you need. The award confirms I’m doing the right thing.”

In her spare time, Hestmark likes to read and travel. She brings back what she learned on her trips to her students.

This summer, she is working as an intern supporting administrators at Twain Middle School, an extended-year school for students with disabilities.

Eventually, she hopes to move up to an administrative position, as an assistant principal or even a principal.

Meanwhile, Hestmark says, “Annandale is a gem. The people who work here, the families who live here are so supportive. I’m thankful to have found this community.”