Educator Profile    Educators

Anna Drew is the former seventh grade science teacher at Shawsville Middle School (SMS), where she brought science to life for her students through labs and interactive modeling activities. Whether it is a hands-on DNA extraction lab using fresh strawberries and bananas to illustrate the concept of DNA; her annual March Mammal Madness project where students research mammals and pit them against each other in a battle to advance through brackets, Drew’s enthusiasm for science is contagious. Drew is also very involved in her community. She has partnered with the Angel Tree program at Shawsville Middle School, as well as volunteering for the Eastmont Community Foundation and Elliston Thrift Store as part of her sponsorship of the SMS Junior Beta Club. She currently coaches the JV volleyball team for Eastern Montgomery High School, as well as coaching a 16U travel team for Roanoke United volleyball club. Drew has also coached middle school track team, served as the school yearbook sponsor, and worked as an after-school tutor and curriculum coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia. 

Drew’s commitment and leadership extend beyond the classroom. As the seventh grade team leader and science department head, she regularly looked for ways to mentor new teachers. She served on the instructional leadership committee and school improvement committee as well as serving as the Section 504 plan coordinator and holding an active position on the positive behavioral intervention and support (PBIS) team. At the district level, Drew was a member of the science curriculum development committee and helped to design a comprehensive remediation and intervention program, which resulted in positive increases in middle school science outcomes.

Drew is a two-time graduate of Virginia Tech, earning her bachelor’s degree in dairy science; animal and poultry science in 2016 and her Master of Arts in secondary science education in 2017. Since receiving her Milken Award, she has returned to Virginia Tech to pursue her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. She plans to use her degrees to support other teachers and expand her impact beyond the classroom.