Rappahannock County Public Schools honors Teachers of the Year

Rappahannock County Public Schools honored two teachers this month with the title of Teacher of the Year for the 2023-24 school year. 

Elaine McCabe was named the Rappahannock County Elementary School (RCES) Teacher of the Year, and Scott Stephens was named both the Rappahannock County High School (RCHS) and RCPS Teacher of the Year. 

Elaine McCabe

McCabe has been teaching in Rappahannock County since 2004. She teaches middle school life science and physical science. 

Born in Alexandria, McCabe and her family moved to Rappahannock County when she was in fourth grade. She lives in Sperryville, and teaches in the same classroom where she took 7th grade science as a student at RCES. 

McCabe did not plan on being a teacher, but said the profession “found” her when her son started school and she began volunteering regularly. Her former high school adviser, Mary Anne Biggs, encouraged her to start substitute teaching and work toward her teaching license, so she did just that.

“I immediately fell in love with teaching and cannot thank her enough for her encouragement,” McCabe said. 

McCabe said she is constantly inspired by her students. She said teachers take on the responsibility not only of students’ academic success, but also their emotional wellbeing and outlook on their futures and what they can achieve. 

“We have such an important role in so many ways for our students,” McCabe said. “It is so important that we all work together to make our students successful.”

McCabe said she is honored by the Teacher of the Year title, and looks forward to continuing to connect with students and families in Rappahannock County.

“Beyond her exceptional teaching abilities, she is celebrated for her tireless efforts in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. She goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential,” RCES principal Jennifer Wissinger said in a statement.

Scott Stephens

Stephens, who lives in Front Royal, started his teaching career in 1999, and came to Rappahannock in 2001. He teaches math to all grades at the high school, is the defensive coordinator and assistant coach for the football team and is the head track and field coach. 

Stephens said when he came to RCHS, the school did not have a football team. Football and the culture surrounding it were a big part of his upbringing in western Pennsylvania, and he wanted to help build the program in Rappahannock. Shortly after that, he fell into the role of track coach as well. 

“The coaching thing was something I kind of always wanted,” Stephens said. “They said, ‘Hey Scott, you want to help us try to get a [football] team?’ and I said, ‘Sure.’ And that’s it, and I’ve been a football coach ever since.”

Stephens said when he heard the announcement that he had been selected for Teacher of the Year, he was taken aback. The selection was announced in a school-wide assembly on Jan. 31, and Stephens said when RCHS Principal Carlos Seward mentioned math, then made eye contact with him, he knew he was about to call his name. 

Carol Johnson, assistant superintendent of RCPS and member of the selection committee, said Stephens was chosen as the district’s Teacher of the Year because of his dedication to students both as a teacher and a coach. Honorees are chosen from nominations from each school.

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“Mr. Stephens is an expert in his field…students often speak of the positive impact he has had on their lives, not just academically, but also in instilling values of discipline, teamwork and perseverance,” Johnson said. 

Stephens said there are a lot of amazing teachers in the school system, and he is honored to have been chosen. He said the students in Rappahannock County are very special to him, and he constantly pushes himself to do better for them each day. 

“The teacher is a gateway to the outside world. We give them a different perspective as to what’s out there,” Stephens said.  “I want to be better…100% is what I want for my classes, and that’s what I want [for me], that’s why I keep on showing up.”

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