ACPS Honors Educators, Staff of the Year

By Albemarle County Public Schools

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) is celebrating excellence across the division, naming its 2026 Teacher of the Year, First-Year Teacher of the Year, Education Support Professional of the Year and Leader of the Year.

“We are fortunate to have so many highly qualified, passionate educators and staff members across Albemarle County Public Schools,” Matthew Haas, Superintendent, said. “Selecting this year’s honorees was no easy task. These individuals rose to the top not only for their excellence in their roles, but for the lasting impact they have on students, colleagues and their school communities.”

Each school, department and program submitted one nomination per category, recognizing staff members who contribute at a high level to the division’s success; demonstrate a commitment to the mission, vision, values and goals of the strategic plan; build strong relationships with students, staff and the broader school community; and perform at a high level in all aspects of their work.

All nominees will be recognized by the Albemarle County School Board for their exemplary dedication to Albemarle County Public Schools at its April 23 meeting.

From this outstanding group of nominees, four individuals were selected as this year’s divisionwide honorees.

2026 Teacher of the Year

Ashley Christensen, a first-grade teacher at Mary Carr Greer Elementary School, was chosen to represent ACPS as the 2026 Teacher of the Year.

Steve Saunders, principal at Greer Elementary School, said that Christensen’s task is “monumental.” She is often tasked with teaching a brand new alphabet to students whose native language does not use Roman characters while simultaneously teaching them how to read.

“Ashley works tirelessly to ensure that language is never a barrier to excellence,” Saunders said. “It’s clear that her students are not only learning with her, but also because of her.”

Christensen began her education career in 2016 as a first-grade teacher at Bensley Elementary School in Chesterfield, Virginia. She joined ACPS as a first-grade teacher and team lead at Greer Elementary in 2021.

The central theme throughout her career has been equitable literacy outcomes for all students, Christensen said. 

“I have seen how race, class, language differences and life experiences can strongly influence students’ access to early reading success,” Christensen said. “Each year, I work intentionally to build trusting relationships with every student that support both academic and emotional growth.”

These relationships not only make an impact on her students but also on her colleagues.

“Every student in Ashley’s class reaches their full potential,” Hannah Handrich, an English as a Second Language teacher at Greer, said. “She is the kind of educator who elevates the entire team simply by being a part of it.”

“I’m so honored and grateful to be recognized,” Christensen said. “I couldn’t have done it without my students, my colleagues and my lovely administration.”

Christensen will be ACPS’ nominee for the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Teacher of the Year in 2027.

2026 First Year Teacher of the Year

Madelyn Kressler, fifth-grade teacher at Baker-Butler Elementary School, was named the First Year Teacher of the Year for ACPS.

Julie Lindenbaum, an instructional coach for ACPS, said that Kressler’s impact on the school and community was “immediate, intentional and enduring.” 

“Madelynn is an exceptional educator whose impact far exceeds expectations for a teacher at this stage of her career,” Lindenbaum said. “She inspires her students, strengthens her team and continuously seeks to improve her practice.”

That commitment to growth is something Kressler herself emphasizes.

“In my first year, I have been growing, learning and working to build a core standard of what I expect of myself as an excellent teacher,” Kressler said. “Teaching is a marathon, and the first year is just the starting line.”

“Madelyn comes to school every day prepared. She greets her kids every day with a smile and enthusiasm for the day,” Tonya Carter, assistant principal of Baker-Butler Elementary School, said. “She’s a teacher who loves what she does.”

Kressler said the recognition is especially meaningful as she reflects on her first year in the classroom.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” Kressler said. “My first year of teaching has challenged me to grow in ways beyond what I could have expected and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

2026 Educational Support Professional of the Year

Kristi Thomas, front office associate at Stony Point Elementary, was selected as the ACPS 2026 Educational Support Professional of the Year. As the first person from the school that many families interact with, Thomas rose to the top of the nominees this year.

“Kristi’s professionalism, kindness and competence shape how our school and our division are experienced by the community,” Stony Point Elementary School Principal Maureen Jensen said. “When people say that Stony Point feels like home, Kristi is a central reason why.”

These qualities have also been noticed by the broader Stony Point community.

“From the moment you walk through the doors, Kristi greets everyone with a friendly smile and makes you feel known and welcomed,” Amanda June Uhl, a Stony Point parent, said. “Stony Point values kindness and teamwork, and Kristi demonstrates these values to students every day.”

Thomas joined ACPS as a front desk office associate at Stone Robinson Elementary School in 2009 before transitioning to Stony Point in 2016. 

“I really love my job and I love the people I work with — the families and the staff,” Thomas said. “It’s really fun to put those relationships together and I’m honored that others have noticed.”

2026 Leader of the Year

Staci England, principal of Crozet Elementary School, was chosen as the ACPS 2026 Leader of the Year. 

England has been with ACPS since 2004, when she started as a program manager at the former Yancey Elementary School. She’s since served as assistant principal at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center and Burley Middle School before becoming principal at Scottsville and Crozet elementary schools.

“Dr. England doesn’t simply manage our building,” Christa Livermon, assistant principal and Crozet Elementary, said. “She cultivates an environment where both students and staff feel seen, heard and challenged to grow.”

Cultivating this environment wasn’t without its challenges, Livermon noted. England joined the administration of Crozet Elementary at a time of transition for the school after a redistricting caused its enrollment to nearly double in size.

“Dr. England recognized the importance of a school mission focused on belonging and established the shared motto ‘Where We Belong,’” Livermon said. “This helped ground the school’s culture and emphasize the importance of each individual and adult during a time of change.”

This work has not gone unnoticed by staff during her time at Crozet.

“Dr. England is always working with staff to develop and maintain a positive learning climate for adults and students alike,” Sebastian Crescimanno, a special education teaching assistant at Crozet Elementary, said. “She recognizes the gifts and skills within her team and encourages us to develop and use them to improve how we help our students thrive.”

“It’s a privilege to be a principal working with fantastic educators, community and children of all levels that I’ve worked with, and I’m honored to be recognized,” England said.