Surrounded by family, colleagues, his supervisor and the superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, George S. Herring was emotional and humbled when the announcement was made today that he had been named Hanover County Public Schools Teacher of the Year for 2010.

The English teacher at Atlee High School was honored by Dr. Stewart D. Roberson, superintendent, in the school auditorium during a faculty meeting.

Roberson read excerpts of Herring’s nominations, including one from a member of his church, who said he is known for “sharing his talents with the community.” Another, from a student, praised Herring for giving them “the most important lesson that we could have. We simply learned that the beauty of literature comes from the reader’s mind.”

“George Herring possesses an innate ability to illustrate the practical application of learning,” said Atlee principal Vincent D’Agostino. “He thinks carefully, plans every detail, and places no time limits on preparing the very best for his students.”

D’Agostino’s leadership, Herring said, is silent, intense. “Mr. D. pushes, pushes, pushes if there’s a student in trouble.”

Herring was recognized for his interest and enthusiasm in technology, as a guiding force on the school’s Web site and podcasting. He said D’Agostino supported his proposal in multimedia, adding, “That’s the kind of leader I want to be.”

Roberson said that Herring had “cultivated students successfully.”

As Hanover’s top teacher, Herring will be a candidate for the Virginia Region 1 Teacher of the Year.

The Virginia Teacher of the Year 2010 will be chosen from eight regional winners. 

In receiving the honor, Herring recalled the day he was interviewing for the position. He fought back tears, because that day he learned of his father’s impending death. He joined Hanover County Public Schools in 2006.

With his son Griffin and daughter Grace on either side, Herring said “everything’s cool as long as Stacie’s by my side,” referring to his wife. His mother, Jean Miller, traveled from Rochester, N.Y., to see her son honored.

He received his bachelor’s degree from State University of New York – Oswego (SUNY Oswego) and his master’s of education degree from Grand Canyon University.

He began his teaching career at McArthur High School in Broward County Schools in Florida and has taught at the University of Richmond and Brooke Point High School in Stafford County. 

Dale Theakston, communications specialist for Hanover County Public Schools, contributed to this article.