Correction: The winner will be announced in April, not March as previously announced.
This week we are introducing you to the second half of the teachers who were nominated for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award leading up to the announcement of the winner.
See the first half of teachers nominated.
Parents, students and colleagues nominated teachers. Each ACPS school principal then chose one nominated teacher from their school to move on to the ACPS finalists round.
Last year, ACPS was delighted to name Molly Frietag, T.C. Williams AP World History teacher, as our ACPS Teacher of the Year Awardee.
The ACPS winner and the overall winner of the Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award will be announced in April. Please congratulate these special teachers when you see them!
Veronica Jackson
Orchestra Director
Francis C. Hammond Middle School
Veronica Jackson has been making music at Francis C. Hammond Middle School for the past five years and brings more than 26 years of experience in music education to her role. Known for sharing, demonstrating and creating musical excitement among her students, Jackson is a reflective practitioner and enthusiastic instructional leader when interacting with students and teachers. Jackson collaborates with teachers from ACPS elementary schools, George Washington Middle School and schools within neighboring districts to develop musical performances that are fun, engaging, and appropriate for the student’s level of language and ability, while also stretching them academically.
“Mrs. Jackson’s leadership qualities are evident among colleagues through her willingness to build and cultivate effective professional relationships. Mrs. Jackson is a solution-oriented professional who strives for excellence in all that she does. She is committed to instilling in the ACPS and Alexandria community a love of and respect for music. She has consistent, high expectations and focuses relentlessly on improving performing arts teaching and learning in her classroom. The results of her hard work are having a total school impact,” said Principal Pierrette Hall.
Laura Jurewicz
National Board Certified Teacher of Literacy
Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
Laura Jurewicz launched her teaching career at Cora Kelly seven years ago, where she has served as an EL teacher and a reading specialist. She is National Board Certified, has her EL endorsement and a reading specialist endorsement. Known for her gentle and caring ways, Jurewicz always takes time to talk with students one-on-one when needed and helps them work out solutions for whatever is troubling them. An enthusiastic literacy champion who is passionate about supporting her students as much as she can, Jurewicz tutors students three days a week. She also plans and implements professional development for staff in literacy and English Language strategies.
“Laura models what education should be. Teachers should support their colleagues to learn and grow together, share tools and effective strategies, and provide encouragement and praise. Laura models all of these characteristics. She is passionate, collaborative, extremely knowledgeable, reflective and generous. I believe great leaders strive to not only grow personally, but help to share their knowledge and expertise with others. Laura is an inspirational leader at Cora Kelly and a colleague I look up to as a mentor,” said Amy McFarland, kindergarten teacher at Cora Kelly.
Matthew Ross
Fifth Grade Teacher
Jefferson-Houston School
Matthew Ross launched his teaching career as a physical education teacher in Prince George’s County, where he was later thrust into the role of teaching a challenging class of sixth graders. The experience forever changed his life for the better. For more than 16 years, Ross has worked in Title I schools and has spent the last four years at Jefferson-Houston as a fifth-grade teacher. In addition to his teaching duties, Ross is a member of the school leadership team, a leader on the International Baccalaureate team, a member of the PBIS team, and a summer school teacher.
“The high energy exuding from his classroom on a daily basis promotes higher-order thinking from his students. Under his guidance and instruction, student growth in reading has grown significantly as measured by the State SOL assessment. The students are eager to learn and the parents are truly happy to have their children in such a dynamic class, with an extraordinary teacher. Every moment is a learning moment in Mr. Ross’ classroom,” said Jefferson-Houston Principal Chris Philips.
Lorraine Predham Keir
English Learner Teacher
Charles Barrett Elementary School
Lorraine, who came to teaching as a second career, has a degree in International Relations and a life-long interest in other cultures, so it is no surprise that she chose to be an EL teacher. She has been teaching at Charles Barrett since 2008 and is known for taking advantage of every opportunity to grow professionally. According to her colleagues, “if there is a book club, webinar, online course or workshop, she either organizes it or actively participates in it.” She was an early adopter of the co-teaching model and worked with colleagues throughout the division to bring EL co-teaching to Barrett and was the first elementary ACPS EL teacher to co-teach math. She has served on the school’s leadership team since 2009, helped to establish and grow the school’s book room, and has provided professional development for staff. She worked with the reading team to launch Family Literacy Night and won a grant to send literacy home backpacks with kindergarten and first-grade students in need.
“Knowing the school day is just a fraction of a day for students, Lorraine has worked with community agencies to secure food, furniture, summer camps, mentors, medical services and even birthday presents for families that are new to our school. When she is able to provide for a family, she often does so anonymously, seeking no credit but just the satisfaction of seeing the impact on her students at school in the future,” said Barrett Principal Seth Kennard.
Bobbi Wade
First Grade Teacher
John Adams Elementary School
A teacher at John Adams for the past 13 years, Wade has been an educator for 15 years and is currently pursuing her National Board Certification. Wade works to stay current in her field, attending co-teaching workshops and running an inclusive classroom, which has led to a passion for specialized instruction. She has served as a team leader for the first-grade team for two years, serves as a mentor, participated in the school improvement plan and initiated a welcoming committee to support new teachers and returning staff.
“Bobbi is an amazing teacher. Her ability to build relationships with students is unparalleled and she has the most natural way of tapping into the hidden potential of each of her students. Bobbi is supportive and encouraging with her students, but at the same time challenges them to be the best versions of themselves. She uses morning meeting to create an atmosphere of warmth and trust in her classroom. Not only is Bobbi a standout teacher in the classroom, she is also a dedicated and active professional,” said First Grade Teacher Lemore Fritz.
Krystal Webster
Kindergarten Teacher
James K. Polk Elementary School
Krystal Webster started as a paraprofessional at Douglas MacArthur 10 years ago and has spent the last three years at Polk. Webster is known by her colleagues to be the consummate team player. Working with other classes and grades through cross-collaborative teams, she uses high-level content and learning strategies that address the needs of each student as an individual. Webster uses cooperative learning techniques that meet learners where they are. She has served as the Kindergarten Team Leader, a Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategist and supports the Girls on the Run program.
“Ms. Webster’s desire to foster independence, responsibility and self-esteem in her students is admirable and shows that her desire to fully grow each student goes well beyond academics. Ms. Webster expects a great deal from her students but does so in a fun, loving and supportive manner that makes her students want to work hard and be better. Throughout kindergarten, I watched my son become more responsible for himself, and more respectful of others, and I contribute a great deal of his growth to Ms. Webster’s teaching style and expectations in the classroom,” said Polk parent Meghan Holligan.
Georgette Yamilao
Third Grade Teacher
Patrick Henry Elementary School
A teacher for 14 years, Georgette Yamilao has spent her last three years at Patrick Henry Elementary School. Known for her unique teaching style that adds to the lives of her children academically, socially and emotionally, Yamilao has a talent for elevating students who are performing several grade levels below their current grade to on-grade-level within one calendar year. She works closely with EL and special education teachers to develop lessons that meet the needs of all students and ensures that all her lessons include attainable goals for every child. Yamilao’s impact can be felt far beyond the walls of her classroom. She has served as a mentor to colleagues, has led professional development trainings and has served on the school-wide intervention team, providing insight and assisting in making decisions for the benefit of the entire school. And, she has devoted time to promoting and participating in school-wide functions such as Literacy and Math Night events and has served on the school’s Intervention and Student Attendance Committees.
“Ms. Yamilao is a powerhouse! She is poised, hardworking, and committed wholeheartedly to instilling a love of learning not only in her students but in the entire Patrick Henry Elementary School community. We are fortunate to have her as a third-grade teacher. She has a passion and talent for teaching that has a tremendous impact on children each moment of the day that will last a lifetime,” said Principal Ingrid Bynum.