06-05-2025
Excellent Educators: Ms. Iwalani Wilson
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — At Great Neck Middle School in Virginia Beach, Ms. Iwalani Wilson is celebrating 20 years as a teacher.
She's teaching 6th grade social studies. 10 On Your Side visited her energetic classroom recently. Wilson makes sure every student is cared for and understands class material. Just recently, she was awarded the STEAM grant to bring science, technology, engineering and math experiences to every kid in the 6th grade.
'So we wrote a grant, and we got $5,000 to integrate STEAM into social studies. So, like, for instance, today we're doing an Ozobot lesson. So they're little — these cute little coding robots. And, we've been studying abolitionism. And so in order to check what students have learned, they're going to have to answer questions and code their robot and they'll know if they got the questions correct,' said Ms. Wilson.
In Ms. Wilson's classroom, students are challenged to step outside their comfort zone in order to grow and develop. She creates an inclusive and engaging environment for students to learn new skills. Ms. Wilson believes in making learning fun — where kids can actually apply what they've learned.
'That's my goal, in teaching is to create global citizens that can go into the world, and interact. I love what I do because I love my kiddos. and I want them, like I said, to go out into the world like I teach history, but I'm also teaching the future mechanics, the future doctors, the future teachers and lawyers and nurses and plumbers,' said Ms. Wilson.
The school says that Ms. Wilson has developed, 'high quality professional learning designed to break down stereotypes and create a more inclusive environment.' Outside of the classroom, Ms. Wilson runs the 'You Belong' club, helping minority students feel seen and heard.
Ms. Wilson encourages and parents and students to continue to support teachers and value education.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
