NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Throughout the month of May, WAVY 10 is highlighting some of the excellent educators throughout our region.
Norfolk Public Schools nominated three teachers this year, including Catherine Flanigan, Lauren Grant and Ebonie Campbell. 10 On Your Side’s Deja Parker met up with Grant, an 8th grade English at Norview Middle School, who preaches the importance of forgiveness while working as a teacher.
More information on the other nominated educators can be found below:
Catherine Flanigan
Catherine Flanigan is a 3rd grade teacher at Camp Allen Elementary School. Norfolk Public Schools said Ms. Flanigan was recently honored as the NPS Top Elementary School Teacher of the Year and the 2026 All-City Teacher of the Year.
With over 23 years of teaching experience, Flanigan is said to create an inclusive and dynamic classroom for her students.
“Her classroom is a vibrant space where hands-on learning thrives, as seen in her memorable decomposer unit, where students care for live worms to learn about ecosystems,” NPS said. “Through her teaching, students not only gain knowledge but also develop empathy and a deep respect for all living things.”
Outside of teaching, Flanigan has participated in a wide range of activities to further the lives of students and fellow educators, including serving on state curriculum review committees, mentoring new educators through partnerships at ODU and serving on the Warrior Classic Band Competition and Music by the Bay.
Ebonie Campbell
Ebonie Campbell is a technology teacher at Maury High School. NPS said Campbell was recently honored as the NPS Top High School Teacher of the Year.
With 11 years of experience in education, Campbell is said to inspire her students to see the different career opportunities through technology while fostering an inclusive and collaborative classroom environment.
“She empowers students to see technology as an accessible and exciting career path, particularly encouraging young women and underrepresented groups to excel in STEM fields,” NPS said. “Her innovative approach to teaching includes hands-on projects like video game creation, which allows students to combine programming skills with creativity and critical thinking.”
Outside of the classroom, for three years in a row, Campbell has been recognized with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, and has also mentored new educators through CodeVA’s Computer Science for Career and Technical Education and Scaling Mentors in Computer Science.
