Norfolk teacher named Virginia Teacher of the Year

Local, Norfolk 1 Minute

From PilotOnline:

Norview High School’s Tommy Smigiel was named 2008 Virginia Teacher of the Year on Friday, making him the first Norfolk teacher to receive that honor in at least 40 years.

Now don’t go getting a big head and all 😉

With the award, Smigiel won $7,500 as well as technology and professional development for Norview.

Um, 😳 about that big head – fuggitaboutit 😆

Seriously, congratulations Tommy!

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7 thoughts on “Norfolk teacher named Virginia Teacher of the Year”

  2. This is great news. I am sure he is amazing, but sadly it is not too hard to stand out as great in Norfolk schools. It is almost like me winning a tall-man contest on the Yellow Brick Road.

    I say this not to take anything away from Mr. Smigiel but to cal for other teachers to follow his lead and know that one teacher a district does not make… but one teacher can help make changes for the better, and lord knows Norfolk (And a lot of other districts) need the help.

    As the husband of a teacher I have an appreciation for the work that GOOD teachers put in every day. I know the frustration good teachers have working with those teachers who just don’t care as they count the days to retirement (YEARS before that day) and I understand the frustration GOOD teachers have dealing with parents who do not give a damn and expect the schools to raise their children.

    I know the frustration of having to deal with the board, the school administration and the union who all mandate different standards and cultures of learning.

    All of this at an amazingly crappy pay. Doing the job is hard enough. Doing it to the level that earns this award is amazing.

    Congratulations

  4. Thanks Vivian for the post. It is indeed an honor to be selected for this award. The selection process is tedious. The other seven regional finalist were outstanding candidates.

    I can not take all of the credit. I have wonderful students that I empowered to realize their potential. Their resiliency and hard work made me stand out. This award is just as much for my students dedication as it is for mine.

    Lori you are awesome! Lori you should have been Teacher of the Year for Norview a long time ago.

  5. Tommy, it would seem as if you may have answered your own question from 1996…

    In a newspaper interview you said… “As student resource coordinator, Coach is a positive role model for students,” said Tommy Smigiel, chairman of the Leadership Council.

    A few days ago, he said, some students were discussing who they would ever get if Hayes took another job. They couldn’t think of anyone to replace him.

    He’s the perfect person for the job,” Smigiel said.

    From the Virginian Pilot Archives

    Congratulations!!!

  6. Pingback: Norview HS among nation’s best « VIVIAN J. PAIGE

  7. Word!!

    This is my teacher Thomas Smigiel. Even though he did not win the National Competition, hes still the best in my mind. He has made some of the most incredible things happen for me in my ninth grade year at Norview High School. Without him I would be far from successful. He has helped me to realize that It is possible to be good in school, and learning can be fun only if you have the passion and the heart to succeed

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