Tuscarora Elementary’s Yasim Givens Named 2026 FCPS Substitute Teacher of the Year
Tuscarora Elementary’s Yasim Givens, known for his calm demeanor, supportive nature with students, and consistent communication with families, is the 2026 FCPS Substitute Teacher of the Year.
Givens served as a long-term substitute teacher for two different first grade classrooms this year at Tuscarora Elementary, supporting two educators on long-term leave. He was also a long-term substitute for Tuscarora Elementary last year.
Givens regularly plans alongside the Grade 1 team and is an active member of the Tuscarora school community, supporting everything from quarterly school town hall meetings to classroom door decorations.
He was surprised with the news that he was the FCPS Substitute Teacher of the Year at a school assembly earlier this week.
“Mr. Givens has a calm demeanor that demonstrates excitement for learning as he coaches students through vocabulary exploration, composing narratives, subitizing numbers and so much more,” Tuscarora Elementary principal Carrie Zimmerman wrote in his nomination packet for the award. “His students understand the expectations of their learning environment.”
Givens actively communicates with parents and guardians and received praise for those efforts at a recent Tuscarora Elementary PTA meeting.
He will be recognized at the August 26 Board of Education of Frederick County meeting. He is the 10th educator to earn the FCPS Substitute Teacher of the Year, presented annually to an employee who goes above and beyond to support students.
FCPS is always seeking individuals interested in substitute teaching. More information on the application process is available online