Inspiring Classrooms and Communities: May 2026 A+ Educators
A+ Educator Award Recipients
Each month, our A+ Educators program recognizes outstanding teachers who go above and beyond to serve students, support colleagues, and strengthen their school communities. For May 2026, we’re proud to celebrate three educators whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success represent the very best of our profession.
Please join us in congratulating our Augusta County Public Schools A+ Educators of the Month for Elementary, Middle, and High School!
Elementary A+ Educator of the Month: Deborah Burke
“Ms. Kelly Cook has served as the third-grade team leader at Wilson Elementary for several years, guiding her team through periods of rebuilding and growth. She is a master at fostering inclusion, skillfully helping students develop behavior strategies that enable them to remain in the general education classroom.
When asked what accommodations she recommends for students, she often finds it difficult to specify—because those supports are seamlessly woven into her daily practice. To her, it’s simply part of what good teaching looks like. Ms. Cook consistently sees the best in every child and every colleague. She has also mentored numerous high school and college students by regularly hosting practicum students and student teachers, leaving a lasting impact on future educators. We thank Ms. Cook for being a model of excellence for her students and future colleagues.”
Middle School A+ Educator of the Month: Andy Eckert
“Mr. Andy Eckert is the Technology Education Teacher at Stuarts Draft Middle School. His background was in science, and he had successfully taught that content for many years, before switching to Tech Ed instruction. He has proven to be a wonderful addition to the CTE program. During his time as Tech Ed Teacher, Mr. Eckert has expanded opportunities in his program by adding engineering and drone components.
A few years ago, he and his students remade the sign for Stuarts Draft Middle School that is near Augusta Farms Road. This school year, he won a grant to help purchase a drone arena for his lab space. Mr. Eckert doesn’t just work wonders in the classroom. He has proven to be an incredible TSA advisor, bringing a large group of students to state and national TSA conferences for several consecutive years. His students have been recognized with awards at these conferences, and some have applied to become state officers. We appreciate all that Mr. Eckert does for our students!”
High School A+ Educator of the Month: Erik Walker
“Mr. Erik Walker fulfills many roles at Fort Defiance High School including, classroom teacher, Social Studies Department Chair, academic team coach, among others. Originally Mr. Walker joined the FDHS staff as a long term substitute in business, but soon moved to the social studies department.
As the coach of the academic team, he has led FDHS to multiple awards and championships. He also was the driving force behind the school’s History Bowl team which has competed at the national level. He recently organized and hosted an academic team event for elementary students.
As a classroom teacher, Mr. Walker pushes his students to be their best and challenges them to think critically. As the department chair, he advocates for his colleagues and students. At the division level, Mr. Walker has served on multiple committees and curriculum teams. For these reasons and many others, Mr. Erik Walker is our High School school Teacher of the Month.”
Thank You to All Educators
To every teacher and staff member who supports learning, growth, and opportunity, thank you. Your work matters, and your impact is felt every day in the lives of students and families.
👏 Congratulations again to our May 2026 A+ Educators Teachers of the Month:
Ms. Kelly Cook: Wilson Elementary
Mr. Andy Eckert: Stuarts Draft Middle School
Mr. Erik Walker: Fort Defiance High School
As part of our program, each honoree receives a $20 gift card to Remedy Burger in downtown Staunton - a small token of appreciation for the tremendous work they do every day.
Thank you, Augusta County Public Schools & the Virginia School Boards Association
On May 7, 2026, we were recognized by the Virginia School Boards Association and Augusta County Public Schools as part of the 2026 VSBA Business Honor Roll. We are humbled and honored for their recognition.
We started our A+ Educators program with Augusta County Public Schools in 2022 to recognize and celebrate the work of teachers and staff in our community. Their impact on students, families, and the future of this entire community is invaluable.
We’re grateful to play even a small role in supporting that work. We truly appreciate our partnership with Augusta County Public Schools, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate the extraordinary educators and staff in our community.
Every Connection Matters.
If you have questions about your Lingo services, we’d love to talk with you. You can reach us at (540) 712-0300 or by emailing us at getservice@mgwnetworks.com.
