Stephanie Toney
2025-26 Teacher of the Year: North Elementary
Question-Answer Session
Stephanie ToneyHow Long Have You Been Part of the PGCPS Family?
17 years at North Elementary.
I was grade level chair for 2 out of 4 years when I taught First Grade.
I have been grade level chair for 7 out of 9 years in Second Grade.
I have been the gifted cluster teacher in First and Second Grade.
I have had an inclusion setting in Second Grade.
I have been the Lead Mentor at North for the past 3 years.
17 years at North Elementary.
I was grade level chair for 2 out of 4 years when I taught First Grade.
I have been grade level chair for 7 out of 9 years in Second Grade.
I have been the gifted cluster teacher in First and Second Grade.
I have had an inclusion setting in Second Grade.
I have been the Lead Mentor at North for the past 3 years.
Please Share Your Thoughts on Being Named Teacher of the Year & What This Recognition Means to You.
Being named Teacher of the Year is very humbling and makes me want to work even harder for my students. I feel like being named Teacher of the Year is an accomplishment that I didn't expect, but I am grateful for.
Being named Teacher of the Year is very humbling and makes me want to work even harder for my students. I feel like being named Teacher of the Year is an accomplishment that I didn't expect, but I am grateful for.
What Inspired You to Enter the World of Teaching and Education?
I am so blessed to get to live the dream that I had as a little girl. At about 4 years old, I started going to school with my mom who volunteered in my sister's kindergarten class. I LOVED being at school and I couldn't wait to be there all of the time. Inevitably my love of being at school turned into wanting to be an influence in the lives of children just like the wonderful educators that I had.
Do You Have A Special Memory or Moment from This School Year You Would Like to Share?
During the fall, right before fall break I like to have a "Friendsgiving" celebration in my classroom. This year I had parents donate goodies for us to have a feast, and I put all of the desks into one large table for us to dine together as friends. As I was rushing around making sure everyone had the items they wanted from the food selection I had the kids go around and say something they were thankful for. It was so kind and sweet hearing the things that they love the most - mostly their parents and their friends. Then I had one student ask if they could pray, all of a sudden I had 19 voices praying their thanks to God. This moment will last in my heart forever.
Finally, What Do You Consider the Most Important Lesson You Help Students Learn?
The most important lesson that I teach every year is that each student has value.