France, Japan, Mexico and US are destinations for in-depth exploration
Remarkable adventures in learning await four Chesterfield County teachers who won 2025 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence and will receive a total of almost $50,000 in professional development grants from the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond and the R.E.B. Foundation.
The teachers learned they were heading for once-in-a-lifetime experiences when Chesterfield County Public Schools leaders popped in Nov. 5 during the school day to surprise them with the good news.
The R.E.B. Awards recognize excellence in public education by awarding cash grants to outstanding public school teachers from Chesterfield, Richmond, Henrico, Hanover and the Department of Juvenile Justice in those localities. Across the region this year, a total of 28 teachers were selected as finalists, then 15 teachers were named award winners. Four of the 2025 award winners teach in Chesterfield County Public Schools:
Amber Kuper
Amber Kuper of Bird High School won $15,000 to examine the deep connection between artists from Japan and France and how their artistic exchange has molded art and culture worldwide, both historically and in modern times. Among the museums, architectural marvels and natural wonders she plans to visit are Claude Monet’s home and gardens, the Louvre, Mount Fuji and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
An art teacher with 22 years of experience who has taught in elementary, middle and high schools, Kuper joined Chesterfield County Public Schools in 2003. She earned her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
She has a long list of previous awards, including being Teacher of the Year for an elementary school, a middle school and a high school; being honored as the CCPS Middle School Art Teacher of the Year and the central Virginia Middle School Art Teacher of the Year; and being named the 2013 Virginia Lottery Super Teacher.
Kuper was nominated for the R.E.B. Award by a colleague who wrote: “Mrs. Kuper is an extraordinary teacher who inspires students through the power of visual arts while demonstrating leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to her school community. … Mrs. Kuper has transformed L.C. Bird’s art program into a dynamic, inclusive space where students explore creativity and self-expression. … Mrs. Kuper is more than an art teacher — she is a mentor, leader, and an inspiration to both students and colleagues.”
About her plans for the R.E.B. grant, Kuper wrote: “I want to take what I experience back to my students. One of the hardest parts of being an artist, particularly for the young high school aged artists I teach, is finding inspiration. My hope is to experience the creativity of some of the greatest works of art the world has ever known and share those experiences with my students with the hope that they too will be excited to explore the world around them.”
Annwyn Long
Annwyn Long of Alberta Smith Elementary School won $9,700 to explore diverse American quilting traditions and engage students in making a collaborative school quilt that weaves together heritage, math and creativity. She will explore quilting museums, including the Virginia Quilt Museum and the National Quilt Museum, and immerse herself in quilting communities in Kentucky and Pennsylvania, including an Amish community where her family has roots.
A first grade teacher with 34 years of teaching experience, Long joined Chesterfield County Public Schools in 2005. She holds degrees from American University, Exeter University and Kingston University.
Long recently wrote this in the Virginia Education Association magazine: “A classroom is like a bank vault filled with boxes, each holding incredible potential waiting to be discovered. As a teacher, I see myself as the key holder, responsible for unlocking each student’s unique abilities. Some students respond easily, like boxes with well-oiled keys that fit perfectly, while others need extra patience, care, and attention to open. I’ve learned that with the right ‘key’ to learning, every student can succeed, and it’s my passion to find that key for each of them.”
Long was nominated for the R.E.B. Award by an Alberta Smith Elementary parent who wrote: “Ms. Long has a very structured classroom but she has a good laugh and supports the kids emotionally too. I've observed her class and seen how much she emanates love. Her love of learning, and reading in particular has helped my son and … many other students learn to love reading. Her experience both professionally and personally is inspirational and I can see how her impact on her students will be life lasting.”
About her plans for the R.E.B. grant, Long wrote: “Quilting has always felt like more than just stitching fabric together; to me, it’s a way to connect with stories, traditions, and people.” The schoolwide quilting project she will lead will give every student a hand in creating a quilt “to tell the collective story of Alberta Smith Elementary and its place in American and Chesterfield County educational history. This quilt will become a lasting legacy, celebrated and displayed with pride in our school, symbolizing unity, diversity, and the power of learning through tradition.”
Bryan Sheetz
Bryan Sheetz of Thomas Dale High School won $14,300 to visit sporting facilities across the United States and attend conferences to learn cultural and best management practices related to turf in various environments. He plans to explore iconic sports sites including Dodger Stadium and Wrigley Field and participate in Toro’s Grounds Leadership Academy and the Sports Field Management Association’s national conference.
Currently teaching landscaping and turf management and previously an elementary school music teacher, Sheetz joined Chesterfield County Public Schools in 2002 and has 23 years of teaching experience. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Longwood University and achieved certification as a turfgrass professional through Virginia Tech.
Previous recognitions include being Thomas Dale High’s 2025 Teacher of the Year; coaching the student team that won the statewide FFA turfgrass competition earlier this year; and leading the program that has won three years in a row the Pioneer Athletics Fields of Excellence award for keeping Thomas Dale High fields in excellent condition.
Sheetz was nominated for the R.E.B. Award by a Thomas Dale High parent who wrote: “In 2021, Bryan was offered an opportunity to start up the only high school turf program in Chesterfield County at his alma mater. This course began with 26 students and has since thrived into multiple courses with 180 students. His program has inspired students to seek potential career paths that they had never previously considered. Bryan worked hard to establish … connections [that] have created opportunities for internships and jobs for the students that want to pursue careers in the turf industry. … Bryan is personable, caring, considerate, dependable and full of integrity. His ability to connect with and inspire students has made him a highly respected and influential figure in our community.”
About his plans for the R.E.B. grant, Sheetz wrote: “I plan to learn firsthand from some of the most influential turf managers from across the country to bring those practices back to teach my students directly. … The turfgrass industry is filled with amazing people that are a wealth of knowledge and always willing to share what makes their facilities thrive. … Work in turf management creates a place for memories for kids, a safe playing environment for athletes, and something pleasing for spectators to observe. Turf is never just turf. It has a larger purpose, for sports and the environment, and that is critical.”
Jenifer Williams
Jenifer Williams of Enon Elementary School won $10,000 to visit cultural and community spaces in Mexico, observe classrooms and explore Mayan sites. During three weeks on the Yucatan Peninsula, she will connect with local educators, experience daily life in Mérida and visit cultural landmarks such as Plaza Grande, Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
A kindergarten teacher with 32 years of experience, Williams joined Chesterfield County Public Schools in 1993. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Longwood University.
When CCPS leaders popped into her classroom to surprise her with the R.E.B. news, Williams jumped in the air and led her students in an “R.E.B.” cheer. “I’m super thankful,” she said, pointing to the word “Thankful” stitched on her sweater.
Williams was nominated for the R.E.B. Award by an Enon Elementary parent who wrote: “Mrs. Williams excels at creating a warm, engaging, and structured classroom where her students feel safe to explore and learn. … She always takes the time to listen, offer encouragement, and help children navigate challenges in a compassionate way. She creates an environment where children feel valued and encouraged to grow at their own pace. … She does not simply teach; she dedicates herself to ensuring each child thrives in all aspects.”
About her plans for the R.E.B. grant, Williams wrote: “This project will meaningfully transform the way I teach culture and community in kindergarten. By gaining firsthand experience in a vibrant, bilingual city like Mérida, I will be better equipped to bring the world into my classroom in ways that are accurate, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. … My students will benefit from authentic stories, images, and artifacts that connect their learning to real people and places — beyond textbooks and videos. This work will lay the foundation for empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness.”
R.E.B. finalists
Five additional teachers from Chesterfield County Public Schools were among the R.E.B. finalists and will receive $1,000 each:
Kenzie Clark, who teaches kindergarten at Clover Hill Elementary and joined Chesterfield County Public Schools in 2015
Alysse Cullinan, who teaches ESL at Bird High and joined CCPS in 2002
Alison Graham, who teaches first grade at Old Hundred Elementary and joined CCPS in 2021
Melissa Ligh, who teaches English at Bird High and joined CCPS in 2022
Sarah Petty, who teaches fourth grade at Clover Hill Elementary and joined CCPS in 2020