Powhatan County Public Schools is proud to announce the recipient of the FY2026 Division Teacher of the Year award: Bethany Britz, Physical Education Teacher at Pocahontas Elementary School.
Mrs. Britz’s dedication to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, both in and out of the classroom, has earned her this prestigious honor. Her strong work ethic, caring nature, and leadership skills shine through in every aspect of her work, from leading the school’s run club to organizing memorable Field Day experiences for students, staff, and parent volunteers.
She has worked as a teacher for 16 years, including the last four years at Pocahontas Elementary.
After being surprised with the award during one of her classes on Jan. 14, Mrs. Britz said she is incredibly grateful for the support of her colleagues, administrators, and all of her students and their families, and there is nowhere she would rather be than at Pocahontas Elementary.
“I am blessed to be able to teach every student here at Pocahontas alongside my colleague, Cullen Freund,” she said. “We are able to see the kids grow year to year, and it is fun getting to know each of their personalities over the course of their elementary school days.”
Mrs. Britz’s passion for promoting health and wellness extends beyond the classroom as she facilitates the POCA Running Club and a hiking group that encourages students, staff, and their families to stay active together. She is also deeply involved in the Pocahontas community, coaching youth sports and actively participating in school events. Her commitment to her students and the community exemplifies the qualities of a true educator and leader.
“I am so proud to live a life that models what I teach, and I enjoy sharing my love of physical activity with them in hopes of sparking a passion for lifelong movement for them, as well,” she said. PCPS is grateful to Mrs. Britz for her unwavering dedication and congratulates her on being named the Powhatan County Public Schools FY2026 Division Teacher of the Year.
The school division also want to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of this year’s other nominees, each of whom was honored as their school’s Teacher of the Year.
Colleen Schwartz – Flat Rock Elementary School
Colleen Schwartz is a dedicated Kindergarten teacher who goes above and beyond to meet the individual needs of her students. Known for her compassionate approach, Mrs. Schwartz builds strong relationships with her students, creating an environment where they feel valued and supported. As a team leader, she is an advocate for her colleagues, always ready to lend a helping hand and share valuable insights.
Laura Simon – Powhatan Elementary School
Laura Simon, a second-grade teacher, has earned widespread admiration for her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to her students' success. Mrs. Simon fosters a nurturing and inclusive classroom where students feel empowered to take risks and grow academically. She works tirelessly to support her students' social and emotional development and regularly goes above and beyond to maintain strong communication with parents. In addition to her teaching excellence, Mrs. Simon is an active volunteer in her community and a respected leader among her colleagues.
Kimberly McComb – Powhatan Middle School
Kimberly McComb is an exceptional educator who brings creativity and dedication to everything she does. Whether designing engaging math games or creating original songs to help her students learn, Ms. McComb’s passion for teaching is evident in her innovative lessons and personalized approach to student learning. She is a master at differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all her students, from those with disabilities to advanced learners. Ms. McComb is also a supportive colleague, always willing to share resources and collaborate to improve the educational experience for everyone at Powhatan Middle School.
Tara Harmon – Powhatan High School
Tara Harmon is a special education teacher at Powhatan High School who consistently goes above and beyond for her students. Known for her positivity and dedication, Ms. Harmon has made a lasting impact in the classroom, particularly in science, where she successfully integrates various subjects to ensure her students' success. She has built strong relationships with her students, always advocating for their academic and personal growth. Ms. Harmon’s involvement in extracurricular activities, such as serving as a Junior class sponsor, further highlights her commitment to her students and the school community.
Each of these incredible educators exemplifies the values of dedication, passion, and leadership that make Powhatan County Public Schools an outstanding educational community. We are grateful for their hard work and congratulate all of this year’s nominees for their exceptional contributions to our students and schools.