It’s that time of year again when we introduce you to the teachers who were nominated for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award.
The Washington Post award recognizes excellence in teaching and encourages creative and quality instruction. Earlier this year, each ACPS principal chose one teacher from their school to move forward to the ACPS finalist round based on nominations from parents, students and colleagues. One of the finalists is then selected as the ACPS Teacher of the Year and the division nominee for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award.
Last year, ACPS was delighted to recognize Laura Koss, Matthew Maury Elementary School’s music teacher, as our selection.
This year’s winner will be announced in April. Please congratulate these special teachers when you see them!
Lisa Bryson
First Grade English Dual Language Teacher
Mount Vernon Community School
Ms. Bryson has been a teacher and coach for 27 years, all of which have been with ACPS and at Mount Vernon. Her many roles have included reading specialist, instructional coach, Success for All Reading facilitator, grade-level team leader, lead mentor and teacher leader trainer.
It is truly inspiring to witness Lisa in action. She breezes happily into school each morning, smiling ear-to-ear, greeting and checking in on her colleagues. She exhibits genuine joy as she collects her students at the sound of the bell at 7:50 a.m. and leads them into the opportunities of the day ahead. Lisa holds every one of her students to very high standards, but walks faithfully and confidently alongside them as they work to reach their goals. She radiates infinite passion for teaching and learning, content to spend her days at work alongside her students and in collaborative meetings with her teammates. She is always present in the truest sense of the word.”
Dr. Lauren Herr
English Learning Specialist
Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
Dr. Herr has been teaching for 11 years, both in the U.S. and abroad. She has been with ACPS since 2010. She is a National Board Certified teacher, professional development facilitator, EL team leader, teacher mentor and member of the Teacher Advisory Council.
Dr. Lauren Herr inspires her students to achieve, especially the EL population she serves. When she teaches, she always holds her students to high expectations. She knows when to encourage her students to express themselves and when to give them think time. She makes her lessons fun and applicable to the success of their lives in the English-speaking world, which in turn gives them a desire to learn more.”
Anthony Jackson
Kindergarten Grade Teacher
Douglas MacArthur Elementary School
Mr. Jackson has been with ACPS since 2000. He is an after-school coordinator, math lead, mentor coordinator and mentor. He is also a member of the cultural competency leadership team and is a professional learning community facilitator.
Mr. Jackson inspires and motivates his students to learn. He is a dynamic teacher who infuses high academic expectations, effective instructional strategies and compassion for all learners into his classroom routine. His ‘whatever it takes approach’ to learning is a true asset to his students and the school. Mr. Jackson never gives up on children. No matter the circumstance, their behavior, the learning disability, Mr. Jackson treats each child with respect, kindness and the belief that they can succeed. His unwavering belief in children and his dedication on their behalf is an inspiration to us all.”
Zachary McBride
Physical Education Teacher
Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center (NVJDC)
McBride has been a teacher for 28 years, 18 of which have been with ACPS. He is an Alexandria native and T.C. Williams graduate, class of 1982. After 17 years in the southwest teaching Native American students, he returned to Alexandria as a special education teacher at T.C. Williams for sixteen years before moving to the NVJDC.
Zach brings a wealth of unique experiences to his work and his entire teaching career has been immersed in a multicultural teaching environment. This is critical to his success at the NVJDCS, as it allows him to have a sense of empathy and create high expectations for all of his students. He truly focuses on the strengths of his students and promotes a life-long appreciation for wellness. Students share how they admire the energy that Zach brings to each class and how he consistently stresses individual growth and positivity with all of his students.”