Norfolk Public Schools
Congratulations, Toriano Pope, 2027 Norfolk Public Schools Teacher of the Year
Congratulations, Toriano Pope, 2027 Norfolk Public Schools Teacher of the Year
On Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) held its annual Teacher of the Year program at the DoubleTree by Hilton Norfolk Airport. Nearly 200 people attended including all seven Norfolk Public School Board members, interim Superintendent James Pohl, Ph.D., administrators, principals, honorees and their family members.
Catherine Flanigan, a third-grade teacher at Camp Allen Elementary School and the 2026 current city-wide Teacher of the Year, served as the emcee for this special occasion. Flanigan welcomed everyone and then opened the program up with the Parade of Teachers.
Each of the NPS 56 nominees for Teacher of the Year were recognized one-by-one with the Parade of Teachers. The teachers shook hands with interim Superintendent Dr. Pohl and each of the seven Norfolk Public School Board members.
After the NJROTC Color Guard from Lake Taylor High School presented colors followed by members of the Lake Taylor School chorus, who sang an acappella version of the National Anthem, Dr. Pohl welcomed everyone. Then, Norfolk Public School Board Chair Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe gave remarks on behalf of the school board.
While dinner was being served, the Strolling Strings, a group of city-wide all music students, played several classical and upbeat melodies for guests to enjoy.
After dinner, the program was turned over to Glenda Walter, Ph.D., executive director for Learning Support-Special Education Services at NPS. Walter recognized the Top 12 nominees for Teacher of the Year who were given plaques and a gift bag of very special gifts.
An inspiring video produced by the NPS’s production team showed Flanigan in action in her classroom. To her surprise, it also featured third graders who expressed their love for her.
After Flaningan came back to the podium to give her reflections, she reminded everyone in the room just how special a job it is to be a teacher. “Through this year I was reminded that the impact of teaching often reaches far beyond our classrooms; into lives, families, and communities in ways we don’t always get to see, but that truly matter,” said Flanigan.
Dr. Walter then announced the Top Three finalists who represented elementary, middle and high school teachers who were:
- Gloria Peters, Elementary Teacher of the Year, Pre-K3 Teacher at Berkley/Campostella Early Childhood Center
- Stephanie Ogborn, Middle School Teacher of the Year, English Teacher, Academy for Discovery Learning
- Toriano Pope, Middle School Teacher of the Year, Norfolk Technical Center
As the three finalists stood alongside each other in anticipation, interim Superintendent Dr. Pohl then took to the microphone to describe the qualities of the top division wide awardee. “According to this person’s principal, this teacher exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to student achievement. This educator is not only preparing students for the next grade or the next test but helping to prepare Norfolk Public School students for life by shaping confident learners, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens.”
Then the moment everyone had been waiting for after, but especially Peters, Ogborn and Pope who stood alongside each other, had finally come.
Dr. Pohl revealed that the 2027 Norfolk Public Schools City-Wide Teacher of the Year is Toriano Pope.
“I was a shocked, amazed, humbled, overwhelming feeling,” said Pope. “I never thought I would make it this far, but I’m thankful to all the people that thought that I could and supported me and all the people that was in my corner to this point.” Pope has been an HVAC instructor at Norfolk Technical Center since 2001.
Brandon Bell, Ph.D., raved over Pope and commented on his accomplishments. “Mr. Pope selflessly serves his students and department with exceptional professionalism and a constant commitment to growth in his field. He exemplifies the NTC mission of preparing students for college, careers, and life by supporting learners through graduation and continuing to mentor those who return as postgraduates. By actively pursuing professional development and staying current with industry standards, Mr. Pope ensures his students are equipped for real-world success.
According to Peters the Elementary Teacher of the Year the entire experience was shocking. “I’m very humbled by it, but also very shocked. I don’t consider what I do anything special; I consider it what I was hired to do. It’s a job and I love it very much.”
Ogborn the Middle School Teacher of the Year was excited. “I don’t know any other word other than exciting. I’m almost lost for words. My husband’s also a teacher and so I know the hard work that goes into it. So, to be recognized as this is, it’s such an honor and just, very big night for me.”
Pope was also awarded High School Teacher of the Year for his commitment and service to students at NTC. “It really is a humbling, and I’m thankful for this experience and opportunity to represent Norfolk.”
Pope will be the Norfolk Public School’s nominee for the 2027 Virginia State Teacher of the Year program.
To see the full list of the 2027 Teachers of the Year click here.
To see photos from this celebratory occasion click here.