HAMPTON EDUCATOR NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Mary "Betsy" McAllister recently was named Teacher of the Year for Hampton schools during a ceremony at a Hampton School Board meeting.

McAllister, a fifth-grade science teacher at Hampton's Mary Peake Gifted Center, earned a bachelor's degree from Hollins University in Roanoke and a master's degree in science education from Old Dominion University. She has also co-authored several resource guides, including one on conflict resolution that was published by the Norfolk Public School System.

McAllister, who earlier was named elementary school Teacher of the Year, was one of three finalists. Jennifer Bourne, who teaches at Eaton Middle School, was named middle school Teacher of the Year and Karen Griffith, who teaches at Phoebus High School, was named high school Teacher of the Year.

McAllister will now go on to compete for statewide Teacher of the Year.