Salem educator is Virginia's 2016 teacher of the year

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the selection of Natalie DiFusco-Funk, a fifth-grade teacher at West Salem Elementary in Salem, as the 2016 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia's 2016 teacher of the year is a fifth-grade educator in Salem.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Natalie DiFusco-Funk's selection Monday night. The governor called her "the best of the best."

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DiFusco-Funk is a 12-year classroom veteran who teaches at West Salem Elementary School. She earned her master's in education at Boston College.

Salem's school superintendent, H. Alan Seibert, called DiFusco-Funk a "consummate professional" who makes a positive difference for young children.

As for the teacher of the year, DiFusco-Funk says teaching has been a "dream come true."

She was chosen among eight regional candidates. They were honored with a reception at the Executive Mansion in Richmond.

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