A sixth-grade teacher from St. Croix was named the Virgin Islands’ 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year during a recognition ceremony Saturday at Government House on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Education Department announced.
Joanie Phillip of Ricardo Richards Elementary School received the honor after being selected from among the territory’s district teachers of the year, according to the press release. She was recognized alongside Jessica Sibilly, the St. Thomas-St. John District Teacher of the Year, as the territory’s two finalists.
Commissioner of Education Dionne Wells-Hedrington praised both educators during the ceremony.
“This evening, we honored two educators who embody both leadership and heart. They lead with light by setting an example of excellence, innovation, and professionalism. They teach with heart by nurturing not only academic growth, but also character, confidence, and hope,” Wells-Hedrington said. “The State Teacher of the Year represents the very best of our profession. We are honored to recognize Ms. Phillip as the 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year and are incredibly proud of the impact she continues to make each and every day.”
The event was attended by Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, Sens. Carla Joseph and Novelle Francis, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, the Virgin Islands Board of Education and Education Department officials. Throughout the evening, the finalists received awards, gifts and other recognition for their work in public education, the press release stated.
As State Teacher of the Year, Phillip will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession and promote her educational platform, “Show Up and Read,” which focuses on the relationship between school attendance and literacy, the release stated.
“Students show greater engagement when they can connect attendance to their reading goals, track their progress, and take pride in their growth,” Phillip said. “I hope we continue to see attendance, not just as compliance, but as an issue of equity.”
Phillip also received a sponsored cruise vacation and was crowned and presented with a sash during the ceremony, symbolizing her selection as the territory’s highest teaching honor, the release stated.
