By Richard Carrier, Contributing Writer
richwrites@netzero.net

Flat Rock Elementary School’s Ellen Valcourt is Powhatan County’s unofficial youth leader.

As a kindergarten teacher, her guidance of Powhatan’s youngest students has earned her the facility’s Teacher of the Year honor.

Valcourt has been a kindergarten teacher in Powhatan for 12 years. During the prior six year period she taught pre-school and in the Head Start program.

Valcourt, 41, earned her BA in Elementary Education from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire and blends that formal training with enthusiasm in the classroom and a legitimate effort to identify and respect the individual needs of all her children.

In return she enjoys many rewards, but says “overall I feel best when the children tell me they love school, when they are excited about the lessons being presented in the classroom and are having fun.”

She said the paperwork involved in the job is the biggest challenge, but said she falls back on, and depends on, the support of her peers and the administration.

“Teaching is a team effort and I have the best team around,” she said. “I am surrounded by wonderful, hardworking individuals.”

Valcourt internalizes her analysis of what might be improved in the system and her profession as a whole. Rather than attempt to change what others do “I try to focus on things that I can change personally in my classroom.

“I [do] this instead of that, or just try new approaches to teaching-adding drama or music.”

Valcourt’s enthusiasm for her students is almost equaled by her enthusiasm for the Powhatan School District and its administration.

“It’s a wonderful school system and I am proud that my own children attend Powhatan Public Schools,” she said. “Everyone is supportive and attentive to the needs in the classroom.”

While she is appreciative of the honor she won, Valcourt is humbled by the recognition. “It’s a huge honor,” she said, “for a job that I love doing. To be recognized by my peers is a wonderful addition. I’m still in awe.”