HARRISONBURG - Although much of their job is to evaluate performance, educators have a tough time deciding who's the best of the best in their own field.
Most if not all teachers have a profound impact on children's lives for years, so picking only one is difficult, school officials say.
Regardless, it's a task the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County school divisions take on every year.
On Thursday, the districts announced their choices for the Lucy F. Simms Educator of the Year, which is sponsored by the law firm Wharton, Aldhizer & Weaver.
Bob Failes, a Spotswood High School science teacher, received the distinction from the county.
Kay Grandstaff, a fourth-grade teacher at Spotswood Elementary School, was honored by the city.
"Far too often, [teachers'] work is taken for granted," said Donald Ford, superintendent of Harrisonburg City Schools.
"These individuals are selected by their peers, which to me is very significant because their peers work with them every day and see the difference they make," added Ed Smith, assistant superintendent of Rockingham County Schools.
Failes and Grandstaff, who received the awards at a reception at Eastern Mennonite University, will represent their districts in the statewide teacher of the year competition.
The award's namesake was born a slave in 1855 and began teaching at 17.
"Emancipation came, and Lucy [Simms] made the most of it," said Greg St. Ours, of Wharton, Aldhizer & Weaver.
Simms was a pioneer in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County education, teaching an estimated 1,800 students during her 56-year career.
Simms reportedly missed only a half day of school during her tenure.
Grandstaff, who has been teaching in city schools since 1983, said she aspires to continue Simms' legacy and inspire young women to become teachers.
"I hope I have been a model for students to pursue a life-changing experience ... make a difference in their community and world, and not give up, ever," said Grandstaff, 55, of Harrisonburg.
Failes said the last few years have been the best of his 37-year teaching career in Rockingham County.
"I'm very blessed by the students I have right now," said Failes, 57, of Harrisonburg, who also coaches the SHS golf and girls' tennis teams with his wife, Linda. "I hate to quit now."
Contact Jeremy Hunt at 574-6273 or jhunt@dnronline.com
