PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 14, 2026
Superintendent Mitchell Honors DC’s Top Educators at the 2026 Educator Awards Ceremony
Event Showcases the Extraordinary Contributions of DC’s Teachers and School Staff
(Washington, DC) – State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell joined District education leaders, educators, and families to celebrate the District’s most outstanding teachers, school leaders, and education support professionals during the 2026 Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Educator Awards Ceremony.
“The 2026 OSSE Educator Awards Ceremony is one of my favorite moments of the year because it allows us to shine a bright light on the extraordinary educators who make Washington, DC such a special place to learn," said State Superintendent Dr. Mitchell. "The awardees we celebrate represent the very best of our profession—teachers, leaders, and school staff who pour their talent, their creativity, and their hearts into our students every single day. You all deserve our support, our thanks, and our congratulations!"
Held at Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library on May 11, the 2026 OSSE Educator Awards Ceremony recognized exceptional educators across District public and public charter schools. This year’s honorees included the 2026 and 2025 DC Teachers of the Year, finalists from the 2025 and 2026 Teacher of the Year cohorts, the 2025 and 2026 DC History Teachers of the Year, the Milken Educator Award recipient, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) honoree, Blue Ribbon School nominees, members of OSSE’s Teacher Advisory Council, School Leader Advisory Council, Family Advisory Council, OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching program and DC’s first RISE Award finalists and nominees.
The national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award recognizes extraordinary and inspirational classified school employees -- paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services -- who promote quality education, foster safe and positive learning environments, and ensure student success.
The ceremony opened with a student performance from the Benjamin Banneker High School band and featured remarks by Deputy Mayor Paul Kihn, who highlighted the essential role educators play in shaping opportunity and achievement in DC.
“Every day in Washington, DC, our educators show us what excellence looks like. They bring skill, compassion, and deep professionalism to their classrooms, and our students are better for it,” said Deputy Mayor Kihn. “Great teaching doesn’t happen by accident — it happens when talented people are supported, valued, and given the tools they need to help young people thrive. That’s why the Bowser Administration has continued to invest in our schools, our workforce, and the conditions that allow great educators to do their best work. Tonight’s honorees remind us what is possible when we make those commitments real.”
This year’s 2026 DC Teacher of the Year, Christopher Alberts of School Without Walls High School, was honored for his exceptional instructional leadership and dedication to Washington, DC’s students.
Other awardees recognized during the ceremony include:
DC Teachers of the Year & Finalists:
- 2026 DC Teacher of the Year: Christopher Alberts, School Without Walls High School
- 2025 DC Teacher of the Year: Jazzmyne Townsend, Stanton Elementary School
- DC Teacher of the Year Finalists: Chris Gleditsch, KIPP DC College Prep; Kiara McCalvin, Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science Public Charter School (2025 and 2026 Finalist); Andrea Baker Barnes-Johnson, Anacostia High School; and Rashita Lowe-Watson, John Francis Education Campus
National & State Awardees:
- DC History Teachers of the Year: Kyra Zemanick, BASIS DC Public Charter School (2025), and Adrienne Glasgow, Dunbar High School (2024)
- Milken Educator Award: Ariel Horton, Noyes Elementary School
- Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Honoree: Alfons Prince, Center City Public Charter School
- National Blue Ribbon School Nominees: Garrison Elementary School (Principal Brigham Kiplinger) and Friendship Public Charter School – Woodridge International (Principal Ayinde Spradley)
- Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award: John Green, Mary McLeod Bethune Public Charter School (National Finalist), and Marquita Holmes, Stanton Elementary School (State Nominee). The ceremony also honored 12 additional District RISE Award nominees.
Pipeline & Preparation Honors:
- OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching – First Graduate: Amber Ferrell, Tubman Elementary School
- UDC Profile of Student Success Honor: Hajjah Muhammad, Whittier Elementary School
- OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching Mentor Teachers: More than 60 educators were recognized for excellence in instructional mentoring.
Additionally, members of OSSE’s Teacher, School Leader, and Family Advisory Councils were honored for their service in supporting educator voice, family engagement, and school improvement across the District.
Earlier in the day, OSSE convened the 2026 DC Educator Workforce Summit, a gathering of local education agency leaders, educator preparation providers (EPPs), and workforce development organizations. Through 14 interactive, peer-led breakout sessions, attendees analyzed citywide educator workforce data, discussed local innovations, and developed actionable strategies to meet staffing needs and improve the daily lived experiences of DC educators.
For more information on OSSE’s educator recognition programs, visit OSSE’s website.