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Portsmouth teacher of the year inspires students to rise above

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) -- Monday marks the start of Teacher Appreciation Week. Across Hampton Roads, school districts are naming their teachers of the year.

In Portsmouth, the winner shows students they can rise above whatever life throws at them.

School has always played an important role in educator James Trewartha's life.

"School was like a safe place for me, it provided me structure in kind of a chaotic world at home. My parents fought a lot, there was drugs and alcohol in the home," he said.

His students call him Mr. T.

A teacher of 12 years, he is open with his students about his past including his incarcerated brother.

He said many students are experiencing what he went through. "I've shared with them you know, this is not what you want in your life, I know that's not what you want, and you don't have to have that. You can stop the cycle," said Mr. T.

These Victory Elementary students can certainly feel their teachers passion, calling him their favorite teacher. He now moves on to the state competition for teacher of the year.

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