(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser presented Christopher O.J. Alberts with the 2026 DC Teacher of the Year Award at School Without Walls High School in Ward 2. Mayor Bowser was joined by State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell, DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee, Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn, and School Without Walls students and staff to surprise Mr. Alberts with the award.
“Congratulations to Christopher Alberts for being named the 2026 DC Teacher of the Year. Mr. Alberts brings incredible creativity, leadership, and heart to his work, and he lifts up the entire School Without Walls community through music and the arts,” said Mayor Bowser. “We are so proud to celebrate Mr. Alberts, and we’re grateful for the passion he brings to School Without Walls every day.”
Mr. Alberts is the Director of Performing Arts and a music educator at School Without Walls High School in Foggy Bottom. He has taught orchestra, jazz ensemble, stage band, general music, and digital music production for 16 of his 21 years as an educator. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Howard University and a Master of Arts in Teaching.
“As an educator, I believe learning should never be confined to the four walls of a classroom. Some of the most transformative experiences happen when students engage directly with the world, through performance, dialogue, service, and cultural exchange,” said Mr. Alberts in his application for 2026 DC Teacher of the Year. “This belief drives how I design instruction and lead the Performing Arts Program at School Without Walls High School. I make it a priority to connect students to their community in deliberate, powerful ways that expand their sense of purpose and possibility.”
A four-time Grammy Music Educator Award nominee, Alberts believes in pushing students beyond their perceived limits by creating joyful, challenging, and culturally meaningful learning environments. His teaching philosophy centers on access, equity, and the belief that music is a bridge to confidence, community, and deeper learning. Whether composing original music, curating interdisciplinary concerts, or leading cultural exchange trips, he strives to create experiences that empower students to grow, lead, and dream big through the arts.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) administers the DC Teacher of the Year program, and the prestigious honor comes with a $7,500 prize. The award is open annually to a DCPS or public charter school teacher who is an expert in their craft, as demonstrated in three areas: accelerated growth for all students; leadership beyond the classroom by partnering with colleagues, students, families, and communities to support innovation in teaching and learning; and championing the teaching profession.
“We are proud to recognize Mr. Alberts as being among the best educators in the nation,” said State Superintendent Dr. Mitchell. “He demonstrates the meaningful change that is possible for students when they are taught by a committed educator.”
“Mr. Alberts embodies the values we strive to instill in our scholars at SWWHS and across DC Public Schools,” said DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “The enthusiastic endorsement of Principal Isaac, his School Without Walls High School colleagues, and most of all, his students, speaks to the positive impact Mr. Alberts leaves on those he inspires through his work every day. I look forward to Mr. Alberts’ continued leadership as he represents DC on the national level.”
This year, U.S. News & World Report named School Without Walls as the #1 high school in Washington, DC. According to DC School Report Card data, nearly all students at the school approached, met, or exceeded expectations in ELA and 91.7 percent of students approached, met, or exceeded expectations in math. Nearly all students at School Without Walls graduated within four years of their first ninth-grade year and nearly all 12th-grade students participated in an AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment course.
School Without Walls also boasts a dynamic and thriving performing arts department under the leadership of Mr. Alberts, with 45 percent of students enrolled in music education this school year. A range of programming includes ensembles, groups, and clubs for students interested in performing, including orchestra, stage band, jazz band, concert choir, gospel choir, dance ensemble, drama club, and more.
“His artistry, leadership, and unshakable belief in his students make him not only deserving of this honor, but exactly the kind of educator we need to lift up in this moment,” said School Without Walls Principal Sylvia Isaacs.
Mr. Alberts will receive an additional $5,000 to support professional development opportunities during his one-year term as the 2026 DC Teacher of the Year. In addition to being named DC Teacher of the Year, he is now in the running for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year Award, which is administered by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
Since 2021, DC has had three finalists for National Teacher of the Year: Jazzmyne Townsend (2025), Jermar Rountree (2023), and Alejandro Diasgranados (2021).
In addition to naming Mr. Alberts the 2026 Teacher of the Year, OSSE also named two 2026 DC Teacher of the Year finalists:
- Kiara McCalvin, French Teacher at Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science Public Charter School
- Chris Gleditsch, U.S. Government Teacher at KIPP DC-College Prep Public Charter School
For more information on the DC Teacher of the Year program, visit osse.dc.gov/service/district-columbia-teacher-year.
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