Each year The Washington Post hosts its Outstanding Teacher Awards, which honors one teacher from each school division in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Starting this year, one finalist will also be selected as The Washington Post Teacher of the Year.
Parents, students and colleagues are welcome to nominate teachers, and each ACPS school principal then chooses one nominated teacher from their school to move on to the ACPS finalists round.
Last year, ACPS was delighted to recognize Maria Magallanes, Reading Specialist at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology, as our ACPS Outstanding Teacher Awardee.
Over the next six weeks, in the run up to the announcement of the winner, we will be carrying profiles of each school’s nominee. Each of these teachers deserves recognition, just for the fact that they were nominated by their principal, colleagues, students and parents for such a prestigious honor.
The ACPS winner and the overall winner of The Washington Post Outstanding Teacher Award will be announced in April. Until then, please make sure you congratulate these special teachers when you see them!
Dorothy Kwakye, Patrick Henry Elementary School
Dorothy Kwakye, a second grade teacher at Patrick Henry Elementary School, has been with ACPS since 2011. Over her 10-year teaching career she has taught first, second, sixth and tenth grades. Prior teaching experience in Ghana has enriched Kwakye’s approach, increasing her sensitivity to culturally responsive teaching. “I design and implement engaging and inspiring lessons that effectively address every student’s learning style and ability,” said Kwakye.
Known by her colleagues as being dependable, efficient and caring, she is described as on who “focuses on student-centered teaching and is able to motivate/help her students reach their highest potential. She plans/implements lessons that meet their diverse needs and enable them to be successful.”
Dr. James Abbatiello, Francis C. Hammond Middle School, International Academy
Dr. James Abbatiello, an 8th-grade science teacher and instructional leader at the Francis C. Hammond International Academy, has been teaching in ACPS since 2008 and is one of the inaugural teachers who assisted in opening of the Academy. His career has been marked by his “passion to do what is best for his students, the ambition to tackle new challenges, and the willingness to serve as a leader to support his peers.”
He is known for being a selfless and diligent educator who will go to great lengths to meet the needs of all students.
“His instructional influence is contagious. His competence, compassion and ethics as an educator are exemplary”
Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay, Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy
Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay began her career as a music educator 42 years ago and has been with ACPS since 2013. Her long and decorated career includes more than 20 awards, grants and nominations. She is an accomplished author, clinician and presenter and has been a National Board Certified Teacher since 2004.
Reflection has always played an integral part of what, why and how I teach. I have taught over 20,000 students during my tenure as a classroom music educator. I am responsible for what my students learn and what they are able to create. With each class I will not have another chance to teach them what I will teach them today,” said Lindsay.
She is credited with resurrecting the defunct ACPS Elementary Honors Chorus upon joining ACPS and continues to direct it today, and is know for having “exemplary relationships with her students creating foundational learning that keeps music meaningful throughout their lives.”