Spotlight: Eva Irwin (VA '23)

Virginia Milken Educator Eva Irwin is the current dean of students at Yorktown High School. She previously served as a 10th and 11th grade English teacher at Alexandria City High School when she received her Award. Irwin is a natural instructional leader with a solutions-oriented approach. Her care for students’ well-being extends far beyond the classroom. “My students are always my students, even if they won’t be in my class anymore. I want them to know that I am always going to be an ally and advocate for them.” Irwin received a 2023-24 Milken Educator Award in Virginia on March 19, 2024.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise? 

My students were extremely excited for me! They have continued to congratulate me and reference the award. Some students were emotional about me winning the award, which was very sweet to see. They were very proud and gave me a lot of kind words, hugs and appreciation! 
 
MFF: Who are your role models as an educator? Is there an experience you had in the classroom as a student that shaped your practices or motivation to teach? 

My role models are my parents, my elementary school principal Dr. Battaglia, and my seventh-grade science teacher, Mr. Kelly. My parents were my first teachers in life and have helped to guide me throughout my life and career. I value their advice and insight, and they continue to support me and cheer me on. My elementary school principal, Dr. Battaglia, is another amazing role model to me. She is one of the reasons that I decided to pursue school administration, because she was such a wonderful school leader. She led with strength, trust, empathy, selflessness and accountability. Dr. B has modeled the qualities that an amazing leader should possess, and I continue to strive to maintain those qualities as I am now a school administrator! Lastly, my seventh-grade science teacher, Mr. Kelly, is another role model that I have looked up to. His ability to see the whole child, and provide differentiated support, both academic and social-emotional, is extremely inspirational and showed me that I was valuable and strong, even when I was experiencing struggles. 
 
MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. What memories stand out? Who or what helped you through it? 

My first year of teaching was a whirlwind! I was fresh out of undergrad, 21 years old, and teaching seventh grade English language arts. I was in a new state and at a new school where I didn't know anyone. Some memories that stand out were the relationships I built with my students. I am still in contact with some of them today, and they are now adults, which is hard to believe! Another fond memory I have from that year is starting the volleyball program at my school. I loved getting to pioneer a sports program that I was and am currently extremely passionate about. It was inspiring to see students fall in love with the sport that I hold so dear to my heart. In my first year of teaching, I relied on other mentors in my school building, as well as my ELA team. Those veteran educators helped me when I was overwhelmed or unsure, and it really made a difference in my confidence and teaching. 

 
MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you? 

I’ve taught at various grade levels for the past 10 years. At the end of every year, I tell my students that they are always my students, even if they won’t be in my class anymore. I want my students to know that I am always going to be an ally and advocate for them. I have seen in my own life how having positive adults in your corner can make a huge difference, and I want to continue to be that person for my students. I hope they remember the content I taught them, but most importantly, I hope they remember that they are loved, believed in, and valued.  
 
MFF: Tell us more about your work to help design the fourth period block for targeted, needs-based instruction. Why is having that time so important, and how has it contributed to students’ overall growth? 

Giving students ample time during the school day to receive academic remediation and teacher support is critical to ensure academic progress. The school day is simply too short for students to get everything they need in just one class period, so this time is valuable to allow for students to receive extra help and to improve in areas of weakness. Having advisory contributed to a lot of student growth. It was also valued by most teachers at the school, who in the past may have had to come in early or stay late to help students. This time allowed students to make up tests, missing assignments, meet with counselors or go to clubs, so it was a positive experience for most! 
 
MFF: You’ve contributed to notable student achievement growth in English and writing, while creating an environment where students provide feedback to support instruction. What strategies do you think have made the biggest difference in keeping students engaged and motivated to excel? How do you use their feedback to continually improve your teaching practices and build trust with your students? 

I have always tried to meet my students where they are, get to know them as individuals, and find what motivates them. This helps me to create lessons and activities that reflect their interests, cultures, struggles and experiences. When students can see themselves in the texts that we read, it is helpful for building connections to the content and subsequently promotes deeper learning. I use feedback from my students both formatively and summatively. Formatively, I use tools like Peardeck, where students can provide instant answers during lessons, as well as having a lot of discussion-based classes. Summatively, I give my students a survey that allows them to provide me with ratings on different areas of my teaching and give any comments as to what is working or not working for them so I can adjust as necessary. 
 
MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers? 

If you want to be a teacher because you love kids, please become a teacher! This profession is challenging, but so important. The country needs passionate, caring, intelligent individuals to educate the youth and help them to become the best versions of themselves. Don't be scared away from teaching by the horror stories you may hear in the news and on social media. There are issues in education, but there are also many amazing aspects, and we need people who want to be here to join us! Being an educator is a very rewarding career, and the impact you have on the lives of young people is unmatched. 

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

I have recently been promoted to dean of students and am working to create initiatives to improve chronic absenteeism and attendance. I am working on creating systems for my school that will hopefully create buy-in from students and provide them with positive incentives to come to school, while ensuring that they feel like they belong in the school community. My goal is to help to create a culture and climate where students feel like they want to be at school and understand the importance of being on time and present to learn.