Each year Cumberland County Public Schools participates in the Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Program to honor teachers who represent the best in teaching in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. Each school selects a School Teacher of the Year. From this pool, a Division Teacher of the Year is selected.
School Teachers of the Year are nominated by their peers, but must meet the following criteria:
• Inspires the love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities;
• Has concern for individual students;
• Displays the ability and willingness to work cooperatively with fellow professionals;
• Works effectively with the community;
• Remains abreast of current educational theories and practices;
• Is willing and able to make contributions to the field of education; and
• Has demonstrated innovative practices initiated by the candidate.
Mrs. Rhonda Robichaud was named Cumberland Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Westfield University and her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University. She has been with the division since 2019 and currently serves as the second grade team leader, She is described by her peers as a creative, dynamic educator whose classroom is filled with laughter, memorable sayings, imaginative play, and hands-on learning experiences that bring lessons to life. This year she was known for introducing one of her most memorable innovations: Math-a-magician: Mrs. Robichaud dons a decorated lab coat covered in math symbols and transforms math instruction into a theatrical experience full of stories, characters, and magic.
Mrs. Diane Wiesner, who has spent more than 30 years in education, was named the Teacher of the Year for Cumberland Middle School. During her tenure at CuCPS, she taught multiple grade levels and subjects, served as a team leader, been an after-school and summer school teacher, and served as the 21 Century Grant Coordinator. In addition, Mrs. Wiesner established the school’s inaugural chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, where she has motivated students to become involved with community projects including helping with Delma’s Pantry, working with the Christmas Mother, and visiting patients at The Woodland. Her principal stated, “She continues to seek new strategies, refine her practice, and learn along with her students. Her humility, curiosity, and student-centered mindset make her not only an effective teacher but a model for what all educators should aspire to be.”
Mrs. Allison Jones was selected to be the Teacher of the Year for Cumberland High School, where she is an English teacher who is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for literature and writing. She has been praised by her peers for her ongoing commitment to professional growth that reflects her belief that great teaching evolves through reflection, innovation, and collaboration. She is always eager to embrace new strategies that engage and inspire her students while she also supports her colleagues with trustworthiness, positivity, and genuine care. Her principal notes that she strives to inspire all students to succeed by building strong relationships and creating a supportive classroom environment where learners feel safe, valued, and capable of reaching their full potential.
The Division Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Rhonda Robichaud. She will be competing with other Region 8 Division Teachers of the Year to see who will compete for the State title.
Pictured::
Teachers of the Year were recognized at the December 4, 2025, meeting of the Cumberland School Board: Mrs. Susan Wiesner, CMS Teacher of the Year; Mrs. Rhonda Robichaud, CHS and CuCPS Division Teacher of the Year; and Mrs. Allison Jones, CHS Teacher of the Year.