MACHIPONGO, VA- Northampton County Public Schools (NCPS) is proud to announce that Kathryn Middagh, an educator at Kiptopeke Elementary School, has been named the 2027 NCPS Division Teacher of the Year!
Ms. Middagh was selected from a distinguished group of five Teachers of the Year, each representing the heart and dedication of the division. Her selection highlights a teaching philosophy rooted in empowerment and persistence. “I teach to help students believe in themselves, value learning, and reach their full potential,” Middagh shared.
One of her most cherished professional moments involved supporting students through state assessment retakes. After days of dedicated review, seeing her students pass and react with unforgettable joy - crying and screaming with excitement - reinforced her belief that progress comes from effort rather than perfection.
While Ms. Middagh takes home the division-wide honor, NCPS is equally proud to celebrate the outstanding educators who were named Teacher of the Year for their respective schools. Each of these finalists inspires students daily through their passion and creativity.
Ms. Marie Arrington of Northampton High School: Driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of her students and co-workers, Ms. Arrington finds her greatest rewards in witnessing the “A-Ha!” moments that signal a student’s transformation. She encourages her students to always strive for their best while remembering to “stop and breathe.”
Ms. Laura Lembke of the QUEST Center: Ms. Lembke views a student finally grasping a concept as “fireworks on July 4th.” Known for her deep community connections, she loves her students as if they were her own kids. She teaches her students that they are not defined by bad choices, but by the opportunity to do better.
Ms. Meredith Feldman of Northampton Middle School: Inspired by her father, who was also a teacher, Ms. Feldman finds deep meaning in helping students who struggle with literacy suddenly find joy and improvement in reading. She values the trust students place in her when sharing personal experiences and teaches them to choose their relationships wisely.
Ms. Shelley Goetchius of Occohannock Elementary School: A proponent of hands-on learning, Ms. Goetchius began the tradition of hatching chicks in her classroom. This 21-day project has kept her students fully engaged and excited. Her life lesson to her students is one of resilience: “Stay consistent and never give up…do it again and again until you have reached your goal!”
“We are extremely fortunate to have educators like these who go above and beyond to inspire our students every day,” said Dr. Lisa Martin, Superintendent of NCPS. “Kathryn Middagh and all of our school-level representatives embody the passion and commitment to excellence that define Northampton County Public Schools.”