Dublin Elementary School has named Mrs. Kelly Castle as their 2022-23 Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Castle is a graduate of Lafayette High School and Radford University. She is now in her 26th year of teaching and began her career at the former Pulaski Middle School, where she taught eighth-grade students for 10 years. She then moved to Dublin Elementary School, where she taught fifth grade, then third grade, and now second grade.
“I’ve been blessed to teach eighth, fifth, third, and now second grade classes,” Castle said. “This is my third year teaching second grade, and I am enjoying my time at this grade level. Teaching is all I ever wanted to do.”
“Mrs. Castle is a talented educator who focuses on the progress and success of her students,” Dr. Elizabeth Webb, Principal at DES said. “She shares her knowledge with her colleagues to support the entire school community and our students.”
Castle credits her former teachers for helping her decide on a career path.
“I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher,” Castle said. “During my childhood, my favorite pastime was playing school. I originally started at Radford University as an Elementary Ed Major, but my Calculus Professor convinced me to pursue a middle or high education major. Her reasoning was that there was a need for math teachers, so I switched to the middle school program. After having my own children and volunteering with my church’s children program, I decided to make the switch to and teach at the elementary level. When I was in first grade, I decided I wanted to be just like my teacher. From that moment in my life, I never thought of being anything but a teacher.”
Castle also talked about the positives and the challenges teachers face.
“Teaching is exciting and definitely not boring,” she said. “Every day is different, and every day you get to see the sparkle of learning happening daily. I think all jobs have challenges. Thankfully, I have wonderful support from my family and friends. Taking time to enjoy life, making memories, and doing what I love with my family and friends does wonders for my heart.”
In the nomination form, it stated, “Mrs. Castle has a special concern and interest for each child, and they grow in many ways while in her classroom.”
The person who nominated Mrs. Castle stated, "The concern for each child's safety and well-being is not something that can be taught or learned in a curriculum."
Outside of her work, Mrs. Castle enjoys traveling and adventures to new places. She also enjoys watching her children as they compete at their Christopher Newport University sporting events.
Mrs. Castle is married to Chris Castle, who has served in several coaching roles through the years, and they have two children; Ryan, 22, and Allyson, 20. She also considers her family as some of her biggest supporters, including her sister, who is also a teacher, her parents, her in-laws, and her closest friends.