Paula Duncan named PCPS Teacher of the Year
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School’s Paula Duncan has been named the Division Teacher of the Year fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools – all of them at PHS – and has 32 years of experience in education.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 19, during an impromptu staff meeting at the high school. Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is renowned among her students for her enthusiasm and engagement as well as for the strong relationships she builds with them.
Her colleagues – several of whom are her former students – praised Mrs. Duncan for her impact as both an educator and mentor. One colleague shared that her “ability to bring history to life through her energy, unmatched content knowledge and care for her students is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher.” Another noted, “She was a tremendous wealth of knowledge and deeply cared about helping me with my students when I was figuring out how to teacher. Without Mrs. Duncan, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
At the risk of sounding cliché, Mrs. Duncan said she simply loves Powhatan High School – the job, the workplace, and the students and staff.
“I have spent my entire career coming in here and working with phenomenal staff and phenomenal students,” she said. “I think that is what keeps me coming through the door every day and actually loving it.”
Mrs. Duncan said she was amazed and humbled by the honor, both because of the outstanding school-based winners she was nominated with and when she considers the caliber of educators she works alongside at Powhatan High School.
“I walk by some of my colleagues’ doors on a daily basis and see amazing things that they do, and I think to myself, ‘I want to be really good like that. That’s how I want to be,’” she said. “That really is inspiring to me, and that is what really makes me honored, because I am being honored by some of the best of the best.”
Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Duncan has demonstrated leadership at the local, state, and national levels. She is an active member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and the National Council for Geographic Education and has served in leadership roles with Alpha Delta Kappa. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and volunteers with the Feeding Powhatan Food Pantry.
Mrs. Duncan has also contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including helping to design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
In addition to the Division Teacher of the Year, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize the following FY 2027 school-level Teachers of the Year:
• Amanda Henley, Powhatan Elementary School – Serving as Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, Mrs. Henley has spent 16 years supporting students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
• Cindy Raley, Pocahontas Elementary School – A second grade teacher and team lead, Mrs. Raley has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years and brings eight years of teaching experience marked by dedication to students, colleagues, and her school.
• Kristen Bentzen, Flat Rock Elementary School – An Innovative Learning Coach supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School, Ms. Bentzen is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with the division, and has 21 years in education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Mike Morin, Powhatan Middle School – A sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Morin has dedicated 27 years to PCPS and 28 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students through his passion and commitment.
We are deeply grateful for all of our FY 2027 Teacher of the Year nominees, whose commitment to students and passion for education exemplify the very best of Powhatan County Public Schools.
POWHATAN, VA – Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce that Powhatan High School’s Paula Duncan has been named the Division Teacher of the Year fiscal year (FY) 2027.
Mrs. Duncan serves as the Social Studies Department Chair and teaches AP Human Geography and World History II. She has spent 25 years with Powhatan County Public Schools – all of them at PHS – and has 32 years of experience in education.
The announcement was made on Thursday, December 19, during an impromptu staff meeting at the high school. Principal Mike Pierce said Mrs. Duncan is renowned among her students for her enthusiasm and engagement as well as for the strong relationships she builds with them.
Her colleagues – several of whom are her former students – praised Mrs. Duncan for her impact as both an educator and mentor. One colleague shared that her “ability to bring history to life through her energy, unmatched content knowledge and care for her students is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher.” Another noted, “She was a tremendous wealth of knowledge and deeply cared about helping me with my students when I was figuring out how to teacher. Without Mrs. Duncan, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
At the risk of sounding cliché, Mrs. Duncan said she simply loves Powhatan High School – the job, the workplace, and the students and staff.
“I have spent my entire career coming in here and working with phenomenal staff and phenomenal students,” she said. “I think that is what keeps me coming through the door every day and actually loving it.”
Mrs. Duncan said she was amazed and humbled by the honor, both because of the outstanding school-based winners she was nominated with and when she considers the caliber of educators she works alongside at Powhatan High School.
“I walk by some of my colleagues’ doors on a daily basis and see amazing things that they do, and I think to myself, ‘I want to be really good like that. That’s how I want to be,’” she said. “That really is inspiring to me, and that is what really makes me honored, because I am being honored by some of the best of the best.”
Beyond her work in the classroom, Mrs. Duncan has demonstrated leadership at the local, state, and national levels. She is an active member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance and the National Council for Geographic Education and has served in leadership roles with Alpha Delta Kappa. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and volunteers with the Feeding Powhatan Food Pantry.
Mrs. Duncan has also contributed to curriculum and assessment development through her service on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including helping to design the World History II Standards of Learning and serving on World History I test design and question development teams.
In addition to the Division Teacher of the Year, Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize the following FY 2027 school-level Teachers of the Year:
• Amanda Henley, Powhatan Elementary School – Serving as Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, Mrs. Henley has spent 16 years supporting students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and integrating technology in meaningful ways.
• Cindy Raley, Pocahontas Elementary School – A second grade teacher and team lead, Mrs. Raley has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years and brings eight years of teaching experience marked by dedication to students, colleagues, and her school.
• Kristen Bentzen, Flat Rock Elementary School – An Innovative Learning Coach supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School, Ms. Bentzen is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with the division, and has 21 years in education, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Mike Morin, Powhatan Middle School – A sixth-grade science teacher, Mr. Morin has dedicated 27 years to PCPS and 28 years to education, making a lasting impact on generations of students through his passion and commitment.
We are deeply grateful for all of our FY 2027 Teacher of the Year nominees, whose commitment to students and passion for education exemplify the very best of Powhatan County Public Schools.
Powhatan County Public Schools is taking a Winter Break. The school division will be closed from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026. January 2 is a Student Holiday, Teacher Work Day. Enjoy this special season with your loved ones. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!! #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’ve already honored some great teachers this week. Excuse us while we brag about some more!
On Monday, school and Central Office administration honored four amazing educators for achieving National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT). Educators who complete this lengthy process must show proficiency in all areas of instruction as well as excellence in school and community involvement and supreme competency in their respective content areas. Please join us in congratulating these wonderful PCPS employees for achieving this honor in their respective certificate areas:
* Anthony Davis (PHS): Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Amanda Henderson (PHS): Social Studies - History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Traciann Paden (FRES): Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
* Paul Smartschan (PHS): Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Certification is valid for five years, at which time NBCTs must complete a Maintenance of Certification portfolio to remain National Board Certified. We are happy to welcome these fantastic men and women to the PCPS group of National Board Certified Teachers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
On Monday, school and Central Office administration honored four amazing educators for achieving National Board Certification for Teachers (NBCT). Educators who complete this lengthy process must show proficiency in all areas of instruction as well as excellence in school and community involvement and supreme competency in their respective content areas. Please join us in congratulating these wonderful PCPS employees for achieving this honor in their respective certificate areas:
* Anthony Davis (PHS): Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Amanda Henderson (PHS): Social Studies - History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
* Traciann Paden (FRES): Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
* Paul Smartschan (PHS): Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
Certification is valid for five years, at which time NBCTs must complete a Maintenance of Certification portfolio to remain National Board Certified. We are happy to welcome these fantastic men and women to the PCPS group of National Board Certified Teachers.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Possible transportation delays: We want to make you aware of possible transportation delays this afternoon. A number of service crews are working on a line that was cut along Anderson Highway, and this may lead to slow downs and traffic rerouting that could impact our vehicles. Families should monitor the My Ride K-12 app to keep track of the location of their school bus.
We’re excited to wrap up our recognition of FY2027 school-level Teachers of the Year with another amazing educator! 🎉
We’re proud to recognize Mike Morin as the Powhatan Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morin is a sixth-grade science teacher who has dedicated 27 years to Powhatan County Public Schools and 28 years to the field of education. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and lasting impact in the classroom have made a difference for generations of learners. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Morin on this well-deserved honor. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re proud to recognize Mike Morin as the Powhatan Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Morin is a sixth-grade science teacher who has dedicated 27 years to Powhatan County Public Schools and 28 years to the field of education. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and lasting impact in the classroom have made a difference for generations of learners. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Morin on this well-deserved honor. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re excited to continue celebrating our school-level FY2027 Teachers of the Year across PCPS! 🎉
Today, we’re proud to recognize Kristen Bentzen as the Flat Rock Elementary Teacher of the Year. She was surprised today while helping out in Mrs. Schwartz's kindergarten class. Ms. Bentzen serves as the Innovative Learning Coach, supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School. She is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with PCPS, and has spent 21 years in education. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and supporting teaching and learning across schools makes a meaningful impact for both students and staff.
Congratulations, Ms. Bentzen, and thank you for all you do for our school community!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Today, we’re proud to recognize Kristen Bentzen as the Flat Rock Elementary Teacher of the Year. She was surprised today while helping out in Mrs. Schwartz's kindergarten class. Ms. Bentzen serves as the Innovative Learning Coach, supporting both Flat Rock Elementary and Powhatan High School. She is in her third year in her current role, year 11 with PCPS, and has spent 21 years in education. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and supporting teaching and learning across schools makes a meaningful impact for both students and staff.
Congratulations, Ms. Bentzen, and thank you for all you do for our school community!
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Good afternoon PCPS Community. We are back again with the December 2025 installment of the Powhatan County School Board Recap. As always, the goal of this newsletter is to help people who don't have the time to come to or watch full school board meetings still stay abreast of what is going on in our school division. The newsletter link is in the comments.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re excited to continue sharing our FY2027 school-level Teachers of the Year, and next up is Pocahontas Elementary’s Teacher of the Year! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Cindy Raley, a second grade teacher who has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years. Mrs. Raley also serves as the second-grade team lead and brings a total of eight years of teaching experience to her work with students. Her dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her school shines through every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Raley – we’re proud to celebrate you and the impact you make at Pocahontas Elementary! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Please join us in congratulating Cindy Raley, a second grade teacher who has been part of the Pocahontas Elementary community for six years. Mrs. Raley also serves as the second-grade team lead and brings a total of eight years of teaching experience to her work with students. Her dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her school shines through every day.
Congratulations, Mrs. Raley – we’re proud to celebrate you and the impact you make at Pocahontas Elementary! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re excited to continue sharing our school-level Teachers of the Year across PCPS! Today, we’re highlighting three of our school-level honorees, with two more coming tomorrow. 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Powhatan Elementary School’s FY2027 Teacher of the Year, Amanda Henley!
Mrs. Henley serves as the school’s Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, a role she has held throughout her 16 years at Powhatan Elementary and with the division. Her work supports both students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and helping technology enhance instruction in meaningful ways.
Congratulations, Mrs. Henley, on this well-deserved recognition! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Please join us in congratulating Powhatan Elementary School’s FY2027 Teacher of the Year, Amanda Henley!
Mrs. Henley serves as the school’s Technology Resource Teacher and Innovative Learning Liaison, a role she has held throughout her 16 years at Powhatan Elementary and with the division. Her work supports both students and staff by expanding learning opportunities, encouraging creativity, and helping technology enhance instruction in meaningful ways.
Congratulations, Mrs. Henley, on this well-deserved recognition! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We’re so excited to finally start sharing our FY2027 Teachers of the Year winners! 🎉 Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to recognize five outstanding educators - one for each of our schools. We’ll be spotlighting three today and two more tomorrow as we celebrate the incredible work happening in our classrooms every day. Later this week, we will announce the division Teacher of the Year.
First up — Powhatan High School’s Teacher of the Year:
🎓 Paula Duncan, M.Ed. Mrs. Duncan is the Social Studies Department Chair and AP Human Geography and World History II instructor. She also serves as the National Honor Society co-sponsor.
With 25 years in PCPS – all of them at PHS – and 32 years in education, Mrs. Duncan has made a lasting impact on generations of students through her leadership, dedication, and passion for social studies. Her commitment to excellence and to her students truly reflects the best of Powhatan High School. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
First up — Powhatan High School’s Teacher of the Year:
🎓 Paula Duncan, M.Ed. Mrs. Duncan is the Social Studies Department Chair and AP Human Geography and World History II instructor. She also serves as the National Honor Society co-sponsor.
With 25 years in PCPS – all of them at PHS – and 32 years in education, Mrs. Duncan has made a lasting impact on generations of students through her leadership, dedication, and passion for social studies. Her commitment to excellence and to her students truly reflects the best of Powhatan High School. 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
The Powhatan County School Board will hold a closed session meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at 4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Va. The board will enter into closed session for the following purposes:
• pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia 1950, as amended, for the purpose of a student disciplinary hearing.
• pursuant to section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) of the Code of Virginia 1950, as amended, for the purpose of discussion of the performance of a specific school board employee.
The Powhatan County School Board will hold a closed session meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at 4290 Anderson Highway, Powhatan, Va. The board will enter into closed session for the following purposes:
• pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia 1950, as amended, for the purpose of a student disciplinary hearing.
• pursuant to section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) of the Code of Virginia 1950, as amended, for the purpose of discussion of the performance of a specific school board employee.
Don’t forget to send in your aluminum pull tabs tomorrow, Monday, December 15th. 🧡🖤 All tabs collected will benefit our local Ronald McDonald House, and the school that collects the greatest total weight will earn the Ronald McDonald House Tab Trophy.
Elementary families can send tabs to homeroom teachers or the front office. Middle and high school students can turn them in during first block or at the front office. Thank you for helping PCPS pull together for a great cause.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Elementary families can send tabs to homeroom teachers or the front office. Middle and high school students can turn them in during first block or at the front office. Thank you for helping PCPS pull together for a great cause.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
PCPS is excited that the artwork of many Powhatan students will be on display during the upcoming Powhatan Arts Festival! 🎨✨ This free community event features local artists selling handmade ceramics, felting, wire-weaving, oil paintings, quilts, woodworking, and more. You’ll also find an art show highlighting the amazing work of PCPS students. Plus, the Amish Traditions food truck will be on site. The event will be held on Saturday, December 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Cultural Arts and Community Center, 2375 Skaggs Road. 🧡🖤
*These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Powhatan County School Board.
*These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Powhatan County School Board.
Powhatan Middle School Theatre is ready to bring some holiday cheer to the stage! 🎭✨ Join us for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson on Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the PMS Commons.
Tickets are just $5 at the door. It’s a perfect way to kick off the season and support our talented student performers. We hope to see you there! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Tickets are just $5 at the door. It’s a perfect way to kick off the season and support our talented student performers. We hope to see you there! 🧡🖤
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
After thoroughly reviewing local road conditions throughout the day with support from our VDOT and county partners, Powhatan County Public Schools will open on a regular school schedule on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Expect possible transportation delays as our drivers exercise additional caution on their routes. Families should monitor the My Ride K-12 app to keep track of the location of their school bus.
We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back safely.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back safely.
#WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
Whenever inclement weather occurs, Powhatan County Public Schools staff members collaborate with the local Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff, the Powhatan Sheriff's Office, and Powhatan County Emergency Management to assess road conditions across the county. While some roads are clear, lingering snow and ice remain on numerous neighborhood and rural roads, and very low temperatures overnight mean that conditions are not likely to improve until late in the day tomorrow.
PCPS will remain closed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. All after-school activities are canceled. We know this week’s extended closure is a hardship for some families; however, we look forward to a safe return to teaching and learning as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Even though we cannot be together in our classrooms, we hope families will encourage students to stay engaged in learning. With exams approaching, this is a great opportunity for students to study, review their notes, or jot down questions for their teachers. Younger students might enjoy reading time or practicing math facts with a family member.
We also want to thank our facilities staff, who have worked diligently to clear parking lots and sidewalks so we can return to school safely as soon as possible.
PCPS will remain closed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. All after-school activities are canceled. We know this week’s extended closure is a hardship for some families; however, we look forward to a safe return to teaching and learning as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Even though we cannot be together in our classrooms, we hope families will encourage students to stay engaged in learning. With exams approaching, this is a great opportunity for students to study, review their notes, or jot down questions for their teachers. Younger students might enjoy reading time or practicing math facts with a family member.
We also want to thank our facilities staff, who have worked diligently to clear parking lots and sidewalks so we can return to school safely as soon as possible.
Powhatan High School hosted its annual College and Career Fair in November, giving students the chance to explore future education and career pathways both here in Powhatan and beyond. Dozens of representatives shared insights into colleges, training programs, military service, and local workforce opportunities. Thank you to all of our community partners for spending the day with our students, and to the PHS staff whose hard work made this event possible. #WeArePCPS #teampowhatan
Powhatan County School Board Notice of Rescheduled Meeting
Due to the snowy road conditions, the regular school board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, has been rescheduled to:
* DATE: Thursday, December 11, 2025
* TIME: 4:00 PM Closed Session/6:00 PM Regular Session
* LOCATION: Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA
This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Due to the snowy road conditions, the regular school board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, has been rescheduled to:
* DATE: Thursday, December 11, 2025
* TIME: 4:00 PM Closed Session/6:00 PM Regular Session
* LOCATION: Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, VA
This notice is being provided in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Due to the heavy accumulation of snow from today’s event, Powhatan County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. All activities scheduled for December 9th in school facilities are canceled, including school and non-school activities. The Powhatan County School Board meeting will be rescheduled to Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Pocahontas Landmark Center. The closed session will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the regular session at 6:00 p.m.
At this time, PCPS does not anticipate a change in the upcoming exam schedules for high school students and middle school students taking high school courses. Students are encouraged to continue to review materials. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe!
At this time, PCPS does not anticipate a change in the upcoming exam schedules for high school students and middle school students taking high school courses. Students are encouraged to continue to review materials. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe!
Flat Rock Elementary School’s Kindness Club recently wrapped up its donation drive with a special visit from Christmas Mother 2025 Amien Dulio and former Christmas Mother Betsy Blandford. They stopped by to thank the students for their kindness and pick up the donated items. #WeArePCPS #TeamPowhatan
