Correction: An earlier version of this article did not include Laura Goldzung’s educational distinction, an Ed.D. We have updated the article and photo caption to reflect her degree.
Tracy Hammond, a special education teacher in Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS), was recently given the Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year award from the district.
Hammond is currently a teacher at Haydon Elementary School. She’s been with MCPS since 2007, but has been teaching special education since the early 1990s.
“My goal as an educator is to not only teach academic content but also to inspire a love of learning, resilience, and self-advocacy in my students,” Hammond said in an MCPS release. “Special education is more than just a profession to me; it’s a calling.”
Throughout her career, Hammond has worked with students in the special education program at all levels but currently focuses on students in kindergarten through fourth grade. She’s also served as a grade-level team leader, a mentor for new teachers and a representative for the Manassas Education Association.
“My passion for special education is rooted in the belief that all students – regardless of their backgrounds or challenges – can succeed when given the right support and resources,” Hammond said. “I am dedicated to providing that support, advocating for my students and creating an environment where each child can thrive.”
Haydon Elementary Principal Laura Goldzung, Ed.D., said Hammond was a passionate advocate for students.
“I have rarely encountered a professional so unwavering in her commitment to equity for all students,” Goldzung said. “Through her words and actions, she thoughtfully challenges assumptions and established practices to ensure that decisions are student-centered, data-informed and lead to high-quality instruction.”
The Mary V. Bicouvaris Award is a statewide program where local districts can nominate a teacher each year to be considered for a statewide honor. The award was renamed for the 1989 winner of the Virginia and National Teacher of the Year award, Mary V. Bicouvaris. She was the Commonwealth’s first recipient of the national honor. Bicouvais was a government and international relations teacher in Hampton City Public Schools. The Commonwealth’s award was renamed for her in 2006 following her death in 2001.
Recipients of this award are chosen based on their ability to inspire students, play an active role in the community, professional development and leadership in student learning.
