DoDEA Americas Announces 2025 District Teachers of the Year

The Department of Defense Education Activity Americas region is pleased to announce the 2025 District Teachers of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast districts. Congratulations to both of these educators, who are now in the running for DoDEA Teacher of the Year.

Mid-Atlantic District

Dr. Erica Edwards

Heroes Elementary School

Dr. Erica Edwards, a distinguished third grade teacher at Heroes Elementary School, has been named the Mid-Atlantic District Teacher of the Year for 2025. This prestigious award is a testament to her unwavering dedication and innovative approach to education, distinguishing her from over 250 nominees.

Dr. Edwards has been celebrated for her exceptional commitment to providing equitable and excellent educational experiences. Her efforts have significantly impacted her students, colleagues, and the broader Camp Lejeune community, especially the military-connected families she serves. Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment have set a high standard for educational excellence in the district.

Throughout her tenure at Heroes Elementary School, Dr. Edwards has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to inspire and empower her students. Her approach to teaching is characterized by a focus on inquiry-based projects, higher-order questioning, and collaborative learning. These methods not only engage students but also instill a deep love for learning and curiosity.

In addition to her instructional prowess, Dr. Edwards has shown exceptional leadership within and outside the educational sphere. She has been instrumental in leading the STEAM initiative at Heroes Elementary School and has contributed significantly as a keynote speaker at the prestigious American Farm Bureau Fusion Conference in the 2022-23 school year. Her commitment to professional development and her ability to integrate Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) across curricula underscore her role as a trailblazer in educational innovation.

Dr. Edwards' dedication extends beyond the classroom. She has developed meaningful partnerships with local, state, and national organizations, such as National Agriculture in the Classroom, North Carolina Farm Bureau in the Classroom, and STEM East. These collaborations have enriched the educational experiences of her students, providing them with hands-on learning opportunities that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

Southeast District

Dr. Tracy Stockdale

McBride Elementary School

Dr. Tracy Stockdale, an esteemed second-grade teacher at McBride Elementary School, has been honored as the Southeast District Teacher of the Year and is now a nominee for the 2025 Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Teacher of the Year. This dual recognition underscores her exceptional impact on her students, colleagues, and the broader military community.

Stockdale has cultivated an enriching educational environment that prioritizes equity and engagement, ensuring all students have access to a transformative learning experience. Her innovative approach in the classroom encourages students to tackle challenging academic tasks while developing crucial 21st-century skills.

As a leader within the school's Professional Learning Community (PLC), Stockdale utilizes data-driven insights to refine teaching strategies, significantly enhancing instructional outcomes. Her leadership has elevated the second-grade team to exemplary status, fostering a culture of collaboration and academic excellence.

Beyond her instructional prowess, Stockdale has established strong connections with military-connected families, seamlessly incorporating their unique circumstances into her teaching to support every student's success. Her profound dedication and holistic approach have garnered praise from school administrators, colleagues, and parents alike.

With more than two decades of experience in myriad educational environments, Stockdale embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator. Her recent accolade as Southeast District Teacher of the Year and her nomination for DoDEA Teacher of the Year reflect her steadfast commitment to education and her exceptional ability to motivate and educate military-connected students.