2025-2026 IWCS Teachers of the Year
Talley Williford teaches seventh-grade math at Smithfield Middle School, where she is in her seventh year and in her ninth year of teaching overall. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees there. Ms. Williford serves on the School Leadership Team, participates in IsleLEAD, and contributes to statewide work through the VDOE Item Review and Instructional Materials Committees. Inspired by her parents, both educators, she is passionate about building strong student relationships and fostering confidence in math. Her classroom emphasizes high expectations, risk-taking, and personal growth, and she aims to make learning both meaningful and memorable. A quote that guides her practice is, “People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Ms. Williford lives in Smithfield with her two children.
Christopher Johnson teaches English and Speech at Windsor High School, where he is in his fifth year with both the school and Isle of Wight County Schools. With a 34-year career spanning elementary, middle, and high school settings, Mr. Johnson has served in many roles, including Head of Cheering, BETA Sponsor, and coach of the WHS Speech Team. A Windsor native and WHS graduate, he began his career in Greensville County before teaching in Charlottesville City Schools while attending the University of Virginia. His career also includes time teaching across Hampton Roads, two years as Head of Primary at The British International School in Kyiv, Ukraine, and a year teaching English in Barcelona, Spain. Mr. Johnson holds a degree in Middle Education English from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in School Leadership from Concordia University. He attributes his success to the meaningful relationships he builds with students, families, and colleagues and remains committed to inspiring curiosity and lifelong learning. He now lives in Windsor with his family.
Emily Bradshaw is the art teacher at Windsor Elementary School, now in her ninth year inspiring students to explore creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. Originally from The Woodlands, Texas, she was recruited to swim for Old Dominion University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History, later returning to complete her PreK–12 Art Education certification. Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Bradshaw worked as a graphic designer with The Virginian-Pilot and Pilot Media. She serves as Lead Elementary Beta Club Sponsor, Technology Support Technician, Senior Leadership Team member, and mentor for new teachers. Mrs. Bradshaw believes art education builds confidence and curiosity, and her classroom celebrates imagination, diversity, and creative discovery. She lives in Windsor with her husband, their three sons, and a variety of animals—including goats, sheep, and a pig.
Becky Nagy is a kindergarten teacher at Carrollton Elementary School, currently in her 20th year of teaching and her fourth year with Isle of Wight County Schools. Before joining IWCS, she taught kindergarten and first grade in Hampton City Schools. Mrs. Nagy serves as a Grade Level Chair representative on the School Leadership Team, mentors new teachers, and has contributed to curriculum development through work with the Virginia Literacy Act and kindergarten math and science committees. Born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Penn State University and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Reading from Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Nagy is passionate about nurturing curiosity, building strong academic foundations, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. She lives in Smithfield with her husband and two sons.
Courtney Berard is a fifth-grade teacher at Carrsville Elementary School, where she is in her 21st year with Isle of Wight County Schools. After beginning her career at Windsor Elementary and Westside Elementary, she has spent the past 18 years proudly serving the Carrsville community. An Isle of Wight County native and graduate of Windsor High School, Mrs. Berard earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Radford University. She has held several leadership roles, including Jr. Beta Sponsor, Great Computer Challenge Coach, new teacher mentor, and curriculum committee member. Mrs. Berard is passionate about hands-on, collaborative learning and focuses on developing the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. She lives in Suffolk with her husband and is the proud parent of an adult stepdaughter and two sons.
AnnMarie Worrell is a fourth-grade teacher at Hardy Elementary School, where she has taught for the past six years. She has been with Isle of Wight County Schools for six years and previously taught for three years in other districts, including at a private school for students with autism. A Suffolk native, Mrs. Worrell earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mars Hill University, where she was a member of the Bailey Mountain Cloggers. At Hardy, she serves as Grade Level Chair, mentors both new and experienced teachers, co-coaches the Beta Club, and serves on the School Leadership Team. Mrs. Worrell is passionate about building strong, meaningful relationships with students and families and strives to make learning engaging and connected to students’ real interests. She lives in Suffolk with her husband and remains active in local clogging organizations.
Kelly Hollowell is a fifth-grade teacher at Westside Elementary School, currently in her eighth year of teaching and her third year with Isle of Wight County Schools. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has taught multiple grade levels throughout her career. Ms. Hollowell serves on the Fifth Grade Leadership Team and is known for creating a supportive, relationship-centered classroom where every student is encouraged to grow with confidence. She is passionate about helping students feel valued and capable, and she brings her love of health and wellness into the community through teaching group fitness classes. Originally from Pennsylvania, Ms. Hollowell now lives in Smithfield with her family.
Marion Lichty is in her eleventh year of teaching mathematics, with experience teaching in Suffolk before joining Smithfield High School, where she now teaches Algebra and Geometry. Originally from Gloucester, Massachusetts, she grew up in a Coast Guard family and has lived in several states before settling in Chesapeake, Virginia. Ms. Lichty earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Studio Art and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Math Education from Christopher Newport University, followed by an Educational Specialist Degree in Supervision and Administration from Old Dominion University. She enjoys incorporating multiple subjects—especially art—into her math instruction to build student confidence and engagement. Outside the classroom, Ms. Lichty tutors students, advocates for their needs, and continues to explore new art mediums. She lives in Chesapeake with her family.