Three LCPS teachers named New Teachers of the Year

Three Loudoun County Public Schools teachers were named 2024 New Teachers of the Year for 2024. The three teachers, one from each level of instruction, were selected from numerous nominees across the division.

• Elementary School New Teacher of the Year: Alexandra Cooper
• High School New Teacher of the Year: Aisha Ahmed
• Middle School New Teacher of the Year: Shreyas Khera

To be considered for this LCPS recognition, teachers are nominated by a fellow LCPS employee and must begin their teaching career on or after January 1, 2023. The nominees for “new” teachers of the year must have performed in outstanding fashion in their first year of teaching, shown commitment to professional growth through professional learning and served as a role model for other new teachers.

Alexandra Cooper, a special education teacher for a K-2 Autism class at Leesburg Elementary School, was selected as the Elementary School New Teacher of the Year. Members of the Leesburg Elementary School community submitted the following remarks in support of Ms. Cooper’s nomination: “Her skill in collaboration not only strengthens the support network for students with autism, but also promotes a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the school community. 

“Alex’s commitment to building bridges between home and school, as well as engaging with external community resources, demonstrates her dedication to providing comprehensive support for her students.”

Shreyas Khera, a math teacher at Brambleton Middle School, was selected as the Middle School New Teacher of the Year. Members of the Brambleton Middle School community submitted the following remarks in support of Mr. Khera’s nomination: “Outside of the school day, Shreyas tutors students and teaches Brambleton’s Campfire program, which aims to help fill gaps in learning for grade-level math students who are lacking foundational math skills.

“He treats all the Campfire students as his own and works with each student to help them understand the content presented to them through the use of manipulatives, group work, real-world examples and collaboration.”

Aisha Ahmed, an LCPS graduate and current US History and World History teacher at Rock Ridge High School, was selected as the High School New Teacher of the Year. Members of the Rock Ridge High School community submitted the following remarks in support of Ms. Ahmed’s nomination: “She is a source of inspiration, a mentor, a guide, and an amazing role model. Her enthusiasm for teaching is infectious, making every lesson creative and turning her lectures into something that keeps students engaged.”

The three teachers were notified of their award and celebrated at their individual schools. “Congratulations to our LCPS 2024 New Teachers of the Year,” said LCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. “Already in the early stages of their careers, they have shown a tremendous amount of dedication, passion and sense of service to our students and their families. I can’t wait to see what they do in the years to come.”