The V.I. Department of Education held its 2024-2025 State Teacher of the Year Selection Ceremony on St. Croix this past Saturday, in a celebration of excellence in education and a tribute to the outstanding contributions of two exceptional educators. Ultimately, the St. Croix District Finalist Chaselle McConnell was named the territory’s Teacher of the Year.

In a video explaining why she chose to become a teacher, Ms. McConnell, an educator at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, spoke about the long-lasting impact she makes on the students, and vice versa. “Within these walls I impart knowledge, build connections, and cultivate lifelong relationships from teaching,” she explained. “I learn from my students with each new word we acquire and every cultural insight we embrace, it deepens our appreciation for diversity,” the language teacher continued.

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Pictured left to right: Karen Chancellor, STX Acting Deputy Superintendent, VIDE Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., 2024-2025 State Teacher of the Year Chaselle McConnell, St. Croix Educational Complex Principal Rodney Moorehead, Acting STX District Insular Superintendent, Carla Bastian. (Credit: V.I. Dept. of Education)

Ms. McConnell was showered with gifts from sponsors, including the year-long use of a vehicle from Island Toyota. The Dept. of Education offered special thanks to the company, as well as the other businesses who supported the event, including Viya, Liberty VI, and Cheryl Gift Baskets.‌

During Saturday’s ceremony, the contributions of the St. Thomas District Finalist Chevell Simeon, of the Charlotte Amalie High School, were also celebrated.