March 9, 2026
Mr. Morris “JB” Lawson, a fourth-grade teacher at L.L. Beazley Elementary School, was selected as Prince George County Public Schools’ 2026 Division-wide Teacher of the Year during a special ceremony at the Prince George County School Board regular business meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026.
SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr
Mr. Lawson, a fourth-grade inclusion teacher since August 2024 with eight years of experience, has been praised for making a strong impact on students, colleagues, and the school community.
L.L. Beazley Elementary School fourth grade teacher Mr. Morris “JB” Lawson is joined by Prince George County Public Schools division superintendent Dr. Wayne Lyle (left) and Prince George County School Board Chair Jill A. Andrews (right) after the educator was named the division’s Teacher of the Year on Monday March 9, 2026.
Alongside his teaching duties, Mr. Lawson serves as the school’s science fair lead organizer, helping coordinate school-wide participation and fostering student curiosity and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) learning. Additionally, he takes part in the PAUSE program, mentoring and providing daily check-in/check-out support for a second-grade student, helping promote positive behavior, accountability, and emotional growth. His commitment to mentorship and community service extends into the world of sports, serving as head coach of the Hopewell High School men’s wrestling team, and through volunteerism as a regular helper at the local Optimists Club’s Christmas tree lot.
“Prince George County is a strong and supportive community made up of dedicated students, families, teachers, and staff, and to be chosen to represent such a community is a remarkable honor,” Mr. Lawson shared. “While the opportunity to represent the division as Teacher of the Year is truly meaningful, education is not a profession in which success happens independently. This recognition would not be something I could accept on my own. This award also reflects my students and the hard work, growth, and perseverance they demonstrate each day.”
Mr. Lawson further expressed his gratitude: “In my two years at L.L. Beazley Elementary School, I have been fortunate to work alongside an exceptional fourth-grade team, dedicated special education teachers who create a welcoming and inclusive environment for every student, and an administration and front office staff who consistently ensure we are supported, prepared, and set up for success. Their collaboration, along with my students' commitment, plays a vital role in the work I do each day. Ultimately, I’m incredibly honored to represent not only an outstanding school but an exceptional school division.”
Mr. Lawson is joined by his family for a photo after being named PGCPS' 2026 Division-Wide Teacher of the Year
“Mr. Morris Lawson embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator, dedication, compassion, professionalism, and leadership,” L.L. Beazley Elementary School Principal Mrs. Carrie Woodlief said. “Through his work here at Beazley and in the community, he makes a lasting difference in the lives of his students and sets a high standard for our profession. For these reasons, and many more, I wholeheartedly celebrate Mr. Lawson as our Teacher of the Year.”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: PGCPS Teacher of the Year Spotlight Series
Annually, PGCPS' schools and support facilities select their Teacher and Support Employee of the Year following a nomination and selection process in late winter. These individuals are then entered for potential selection as the division's Teacher and Support Employee of the Year later in the spring. During the Monday, March 9, 2026, Prince George School Board meeting, the following teachers and instructional team members were recognized as Teachers of the Year at their respective locations:
- Mr. Morris “JB” Lawson - Fourth Grade Teacher, L.L. Beazley Elementary School
- Ms. Tedlyn Espino - Fifth Grade Teacher, D.A. Harrison Elementary School
- Ms. Rebecca Payne - Fourth Grade Teacher, Middle Road Elementary School
- Ms. Stephanie Toney - Second Grade Teacher, North Elementary School
- Ms. MaryEllen Flickinger - Fifth Grade Teacher, South Elementary School
- Mr. Christopher Meike - History/Social Studies Teacher, Prince George Education Center
- Ms. Christina Ratliff - Career & Technical Education Teacher, J.E.J. Moore Middle School
- Mr. Joshua Bateson - Mathematics Teacher, N.B. Clements Jr. High School
- Ms. Megan Spivey - English Teacher, Prince George High School
These individuals will also be recognized during the division’s annual Royal Recognition Reception at Prince George High School on Thursday, May 7, 2026, a special event that celebrates the talented individuals who support the children of Prince George County and our community.
PGCPS Teachers of the Year, from L to R: Ms. MaryEllen Flickinger, Ms. Tedlyn Espino, Ms. Rebecca Payne, Ms. Stephanie Toney, Mr. Morris “JB” Lawson, Ms. Christina Ratliff, Mr. Joshua Bateson, and Ms. Megan Spivey. Not Pictured: Mr. Christopher Meike (PGCPS Photo)
Prince George County Public Schools invites everyone to learn more about our Teacher of the Year award recipients by visiting the district’s website and reading profiles showcasing each educator. They can be found by clicking HERE.