Varvara “Vivi” Zakharevich knew from the time she was in first grade at Lemon Road Elementary School that she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. Now, almost 20 years later, her dream has finally come true as she prepares for her first year teaching third grade at Shrevewood Elementary School.

When Vivi was five, her family moved to Fairfax County from Russia. It was a big shift for her, but she immediately found comfort with her first-grade teacher Mrs. Brown. 

“She was my dream teacher,” said Vivi. “Mrs. Brown was the person that you could go to for anything. If something was wrong, if you felt sad, if you felt happy, you wanted to share that with her and she was always ready to listen.”

Vivi’s math skills were on par with her peers, but she struggled to communicate because she didn’t speak English. “I know that’s a really tricky part of a teacher’s job to be able to teach when the student doesn’t understand the language you’re teaching in,” she said. “She used a lot of visual things to help me find my way.”

Vivi decided then and there that if she was fortunate enough to become a teacher, she knew exactly the kind of teacher she wanted to be. 

“I wanted to be the teacher that kids remembered many, many years later, to inspire their growth and who they are as a person,” she says. “I wanted to be a part of people’s lives. I wanted to be like Mrs. Brown.” 

Looking Ahead to First Day

Heading into her first year, Vivi is most excited to meet her students and establish a relationship so they feel comfortable around her and in her classroom. “If you do not have a rapport with your students, the likelihood that they will learn and listen is lower,” said Vivi. 

“Everyone comes with [their own set of] emotions and baggage,” she explained. “Some days, kids will have great days. And some days, they will be going through [something]. If they don’t feel comfortable telling you how they’re feeling and what’s going on, then your math lesson is going to be the last thing they’re worried about. [It’s my job] to make sure my kiddos feel good, feel safe, and are ready to learn.”

To accomplish this, Vivi’s goal is to establish clear routines and expectations at the start of the school year. “Students feel safer when they know that there is structure,” said Vivi. “Procedures are the one thing I really want to master.”

Although Vivi has some nerves heading into the first day of school as a first-year teacher, she knows her students will remember her. “I want to make sure that they are learning to the best of their ability. My main goal is to be like Mrs. Brown and be there for my students,” she explained. “My vow is to take it one day at a time and stay true to what I want to represent as a teacher.”

The first bell has rung, and class is officially in session in Vivi’s third-grade classroom at Shrevewood Elementary School. The first day of school is usually filled with nerves and first-day jitters, but for Vivi, her first day as a teacher didn’t go as she expected. 

“They all made me feel really good,” Vivi said. “They all said I was really kind; I think that was probably the best part.” Vivi thought there could be a few hiccups and nervous students but neither of those things ever came to fruition. And so, Vivi decided to take each new day one at a time. 

In working to build a classroom community, Vivi is learning how to spark excitement in her students. “Any time the lesson seems to be engaging with the students, I feel like I’m on top of the world. I will even start to do a little dance and say ‘what else, and what else, and what else,” Vivi explained. “I’m hoping that they’re here to have a great time, learn, and socialize. ”

In the second week of school, the weight of handling data management, lesson planning, and meetings began to weigh Vivi down. The supportive administrators at Shrevewood immediately noticed and came together to encourage and assist her, boosting her confidence and fostering a sense of support on her teaching journey.

Vivi also knows, she can always count on her students to inspire her with their artwork, “Any time I get a card, my heart melts,” she says. “I can’t believe how much love they’re able to put into those crayons and markers.” Vivi has received several “kiddo classroom creations” that lift her spirits. 

The support for Vivi doesn't just end at Shrevewood. Vivi's former Lake Braddock Secondary School teachers have reached out to her to show their support as she embarks on her teaching journey. Multiple former teachers have wished her good luck and offered kind words of encouragement, saying, “Never worry that you’re too silly; it’s what makes you a fun person to be around.

The air is crisp, the leaves have fallen, and the holiday spirit is in full swing at Shrevewood Elementary School. In Vivi's third grade classroom, the change of seasons hasn't dampened the excitement of learning. As the first quarter came to a close, Vivi's students were buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming holiday festivities. 

"I remember how much I loved holiday activities and crafts when I was a kid," Vivi reminisced about her time as an FCPS student.

On Storybook Character Day, Vivi dressed as Miss Trunchbull from Matilda, while fellow first-year teacher Rachel Krizner went as Matilda herself. Vivi wore a gray sweatsuit and boots, and a ball and chain she made out of construction paper. The teachers weren't the only ones participating in all the fun. The energy was infectious as the entire class also wore their own creative costumes.

“My class was committed; everyone came in with costumes. It was a really fun day.” 

After the inevitable sugar rush from holiday treats, it was time for the students to reflect on gratitude. Vivi has no shortage of kiddo classroom creations from her students to show their gratitude and appreciation for her.

“I save every single thing that I get. I think my table is overflowing now because I have nowhere else to put it.”

As winter break approaches, Vivi is determined to keep the magic alive in her classroom. "One of the most amazing things about being a teacher is that you get to be that person who creates that sparkle for your students."

In Vivi's classroom, the changing seasons may bring cold weather, but they also bring warmth, joy, and a love of learning. No matter the time of year, the best gift is a great teacher.