Media Contact: Briant Coleman; (202) 654-6120; [email protected]
(Washington, DC) Mayor Muriel Bowser and Interim State Superintendent of Education Dr. Amy Maisterra announced today that Jennifer Ramacciotti, a 9-year veteran teacher known for her love of students and commitment to excellence in education, is the 2015 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year.
“The education of our children is critical to our city’s success as we compete in a 21st century global economy,” Bowser said. “Through her teaching innovation, Ms. Ramacciotti is playing a essential role in helping develop our youth. We owe her and outstanding teachers everywhere a debt of gratitude for their hard work and dedication in the classroom.”
An 8th grade mathematics teacher at KIPP DC AIM Academy, Ramacciotti is being honored for her commitment to high-quality, results-driven instruction.
“Ms. Ramacciotti exemplifies the leadership, dedication and understanding necessary to help her students succeed against all odds,” said Maisterra. “She is a guiding light not only for her students, but also for her colleagues and all those striving for excellence in the District’s public education system.”
Ramacciotti formerly served as vice principal of AIM Academy before returning to the classroom in 2013 because she “missed the changes in kids’ faces when they made a connection or when they saw the result of their hard work.” Prior to serving in administration, she taught 6th grade mathematics while also serving as grade level chair and math department chair. Her prior experience includes working as a member of Teach for America in Philadelphia.
“Our principal began professional development for all of the coaches in our building by saying, ‘List all of the things that a new staff member would need to know how to do in order to become Jen Ramacciotti,’ wrote Kathleen Murray, vice principal at KIPP DC AIM Academy, on Ramacciotti’s application for DC Teacher of the Year.
Her colleagues praised her willingness to jump in wherever she is needed, and, in Ward 8, her students’ needs go beyond the classroom. For three years at AIM, Ramacciotti established and then coached Girls on the Run, a healthy living learning program. She also stepped in as musical director for the school’s spring musical. These activities were all taken on in addition to her continuously offering afterschool and Saturday tutoring support.
The District of Columbia Teacher of the Year Program is administered annually by OSSE. Nominations are accepted citywide representing both DC public and public charter school teachers. The winner is selected by a panel of education leaders through an extensive application process such as interviews, classroom observation, a formal application, and a comprehensive essay.
In May 2015, OSSE will host its inaugural Educators of the Year Award Celebration, which will recognize excellence in teaching and instructional leadership. During the celebration, Ramacciotti will be honored for her outstanding teaching and professional leadership within and beyond the classroom. She will be joined by the District’s 2014 History Teacher of the Year, the 2014 Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science Teaching finalists, and the 2014/15 Milken Family Award recipient.