Joanie Phillip Named St. Croix Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026

The V.I. Department of Education on Wednesday announced 6th Grade English Language Arts teacher Joanie Phillip as the St. Croix district's Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026.  Ms. Phillip, who currently is assigned to the Ricardo Richards PreK-6 School, began her teaching career about 17 years ago. Since then, she has “distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for both students and colleagues," according to the VIDE announcement. Ms. Phillip also serves as a union representative for her local American Federation of Teachers chapter.  The powerhouse in education does not just limit her teaching to St. Croix's youngest pupils. After she is done with her daily classwork, Ms. Phillip adjusts her approach to accommodate adult learners in the St. Croix Adult Education Program, whom she guides towards their educational goals during the evening hours. “Her unwavering dedication to literacy, empowerment, and lifelong learning continues to positively impact students across generations,” VI...