The Presidential Award symbolizes the hard work, dedication, love, and passion teachers put forth in their classrooms every day. It is a true honor to receive this award, as it reaffirms a belief I try to instill in all of my students: with a growth mindset, anything is possible. I am truly grateful for all of my students, colleagues, family, and friends that continuously challenge and inspire me to grow professionally. This achievement would not be possible without their faith and trust in me.

Tracey Curcio Chester, VA | K-6, Mathematics, 2020

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Tracey Curcio has been an educator for 15 years and has spent the last 11 years teaching at Elizabeth Scott Elementary School where she is now the Instructional Designer. She spent nine years teaching mathematics and two teaching fifth grade. She previously taught at Hope Mills Elementary School for one year and Northwest Elementary School for her first three years as a teacher. As the Title I Mathematics Specialist, Tracey helped support teachers in a variety of ways, such as the mentoring of new teachers, coaching, modeling, and co-teaching. Along with periodic data dives in grade level professional learning communities, the many hats Tracey wears all help to strengthen teachers’ instructional practices. In addition, Tracey has provided small group mathematics intervention for kindergarten through fifth grade students before, during, and after school hours. Tracey is known for transforming her school’s mathematics instruction from memorizing algorithms into a student-centered classroom where students work through problems using methods and strategies that emphasize making sense of numbers and place value. She loves to share her knowledge and passion for mathematics by providing professional development sessions based on research-based strategies at school, district, and state conferences. Tracey has served as a member of the Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning review committee and is currently the secretary for the Greater Richmond Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Tracey earned a B.A., cum laude, in psychology from the University of Louisville; a B.S., summa cum laude, in elementary education from Kansas State University; and an M.S.Ed. in elementary reading and mathematics from Walden University. She is certified in elementary education.

Know a great teacher like Tracey Curcio? Nominate them for PAEMST!