DoWEA Americas Announces 2027 District Teachers of the Year

The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Americas Region is pleased to announce its 2027 District Teachers of the Year.

Nicole Grinsell, a STEM enrichment teacher at Fort Campbell Middle School, and Laura Hoover, an English teacher at Lejeune High School, have been named the 2027 District Teachers of the Year for the Americas Southeast and Mid-Atlantic districts, respectively, by the Department of War Education Activity.

Grinsell teaches research, environmental studies and computer applications to fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders. She engages military-connected students through hands-on projects that emphasize the engineering design process, iteration and real-world problem solving. Her initiatives include expanding the school’s makerspace with an outdoor patio and wellness area, and forging partnerships with the Fort Campbell community, including Criminal Investigation Division agents, local universities and wounded warriors who share lived experiences that bring lessons to life.

 

“Ms. Nicole Grinsell exemplifies what it means to teach with purpose and heart,” said Hugh McKinnon, community superintendent. “She creates a classroom where students feel respected, challenged, and inspired to grow. Through her consistency, care, and commitment, she not only advances learning but builds confidence, belonging, and hope for each and every student she serves.”

Principal Dr. Alissa Richards praised Grinsell’s impact on career and technical education at the school. “Nicole Grinsell exemplifies what it means to be a teacher who truly is on fire with education,” Richards said. “What started as a small spark of career and technical education ideas and creativity soon took hold to completely change the landscape of instruction at our school. Students not only come to her class to learn but they are inspired to make a change in their world.”

Laura Hoover teaches English 11, Advanced Placement Language and Composition, and English 12 at Lejeune High School. She focuses on preparing military-connected students for college, careers and service through rigorous literacy skills.
 

“Ms. Laura Hoover stands as a model of instructional excellence across the Mid-Atlantic District,” said Ryan Smith, superintendent of the Americas Mid-Atlantic District. “With an unwavering commitment to analytical writing, rhetorical precision, evidence-based reasoning and real-world application of literacy skills, she equips our military-connected students with the clear thinking, effective communication and principled leadership our nation demands. We are proud to name her the 2027 District Teacher of the Year.”

“Ms. Hoover is truly deserving of recognition for her unwavering commitment to high expectations, genuine care, and meaningful student engagement,” said Dr. Andrea Marr, Camp Lejeune community superintendent. “Her impact at Lejeune High School is evident in the confidence, growth, and success of the students she serves each day.”

“The Americas Region is proud of Nicole Grinsell and Laura Hoover for being named the 2027 District Teachers of the Year,” said Dr. Christy Huddleston, Americas Acting Director for Student Excellence. “This recognition is more than an individual honor — it is a powerful reminder of the impact educators have on students, families, and entire communities. It celebrates instructional excellence, dedication, and the belief that every child can succeed. Most importantly, it inspires all of us to continue striving for excellence and to recognize the transformative power of great teaching.”

The selections reflect DoWEA’s priority on preparing military-connected students for informed citizenship, patriotic service and rigorous learning grounded in classical principles of clear thinking, effective communication and principled leadership. As district teachers of the year, both educators will participate in the DoWEA Teacher Leadership Program and share best practices across their regions.