The Southeast Region American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association awarded Amy Dignan, health and physical education teacher at Patriot High School, with the 2025 Teacher of Excellence Award. This award recognizes outstanding driver and traffic safety educators. Dignan was the only recipient from the southeast region, which encompasses seven states and two territories.

“I am both honored and humbled to receive the 2025 Teacher of Excellence Award from the Southeast Region American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, particularly since this was my first time being nominated, Dignan said. “It is incredibly rewarding to have my work recognized, and it is a reflection of the dedication I have to my students. Teaching driver education gives me the opportunity to make a real impact on their safety, both on the road and in the community."

Along with teaching, Dignan is the gymnastics and Unified Sports coach, health and physical education co-department chair, and Behind the Wheel coordinator at Patriot High. Additionally, she is part of the Virginia Association for Driver Education and Traffic Safety, an organization for driver education professionals.

“Ms. Dignan consistently demonstrates an enthusiasm and passion for her students and colleagues that is unmatched. Whether she is creating new learning opportunities to foster student interests and knowledge of driver safety, developing student talent and opportunities as a coach, or identifying student needs to ensure they continue to thrive, her commitment is evident,” shared Christopher Brown, assistant principal at Patriot.

Dignan has been teaching in PWCS for 22 years, and said her favorite part about being a health and physical education teacher is empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to lead safe and healthy lives. As for her favorite lesson to teach...

“One of my favorite driver education lessons is the process of parallel parking. It’s such a practical skill, and I love watching students go from feeling nervous to gaining confidence after they master it. It is a perfect example of how practice and patience can turn a challenging task into something they will use every day as drivers,” Dignan said.

This summer, Dignan will travel to Billings, Montana to represent the Southeast Region American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association as a finalist for the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association Teacher of Excellence Award.

Dignan was also named the Virginia Association of Driver Education and Traffic Safety In-Car Teacher of the Year in 2024.