The DC Teacher of the Year program celebrates outstanding educators who are experts in their craft as demonstrated by accelerated growth for all students, and who demonstrate leadership beyond the classroom by partnering with colleagues, students, families and communities to support innovation in teaching and learning, and who champion the teaching profession.
2025 DC Teacher of the Year
Congratulations, Jazzmyne Townsend, the 2025 DC Teacher of the Year! Jazzmyne is an inspiring Instructional Coach, K-5 English Language Arts (ELA) at Stanton Elementary School. Congratulations to Jazzmyne and the entire Stanton community!
As the 2025 DC Teacher of the Year, Jazzmyne represents DC in the Council of Chief State School Officers National Teacher of the Year program and can advocate for her students on a national level.
Learn more about Ms. Townsend here: 2025 Teacher of the Year One-Pager
2025 Runners Up:
- Kiara McCalvin, French teacher at Howard University Middle School
- Rahshita Lowe-Watson, kindergarten teacher at John Francis Education Campus
- Andrea Baker Barnes-Johnson, special education teacher at Anacostia High School
Press Release: Mayor Bowser Announces Jazzmyne Townsend as 2025 DC Teacher of the Year During Surprise Celebration
2024
Teacher of the Year: Beth Barkley, Garnet-Patterson STAY High School
2024 Runners Up:
- Kena Allison, Upper School Science, Washington Latin Public Charter School
- Aneesah Blount, Kindergarten & First Grade, Van Ness Elementary School
- Chad Harris, Music, Stanton Elementary
- Rabiah Harris, Physical Science and Robotics, Ida. B. Wells Middle School
Press Release: Mayor Bowser Announces Beth Barkley as 2024 DC Teacher of the Year During Surprise Celebration
2023
Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year Finalist: Jermar ‘Coach’ Rountree, Pre-K to 8th Grade Health & Physical Education Teacher, Brightwood Campus - Center City Public Schools
View Jermar Rountree’s profile
Follow Jermar on Twitter @jermar_rountree
Runners Up:
- Alex Clark, Health & Physical Education Teacher, Dunbar High School
- Brandyn Marshall Poole, Seventh and Eighth Grade Mathematics Teacher, Center City PCS - Trinidad Campus
- Luz Mireya Pelaez Lopez, Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 Spanish Immersion Teacher, Marie Reed Elementary School
Press Release: Mayor Bowser Announces Jermar 'Coach' Rountree as 2023 DC Teacher of the Year
2022
Teacher of the Year: Dominique Foster, Pre-K4 Teacher, Blow-Pierce Academy, Friendship Public Charter School
View Dominique Foster’s profile
Follow her on Twitter @FosterLovesEdu
Runners Up:
- Dr. Takeisha Wilson, Fourth Grade Teacher, Shepherd Elementary School
- Rickita Perry Taylor, Special Educator, Tyler Elementary School
Press Release: Mayor Bowser Announces Dominique Foster as 2022 DC Teacher of the Year During Surprise Celebration
2021
Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year Finalist: Alejandro Diasgranados, Fourth and Fifth Grade English Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher, Aiton Elementary School
View Alejandro Diasgranados’ profile
Follow him on Twitter @ThatDCTeacher
Runners Up:
- Lauren McKenzie, Social Studies Teacher and Teacher Leader Innovation Team Member, Ron Brown Preparatory High School
- Shelina Warren, Social Studies Teacher and Director of the Law & Public Policy Academy, Paul Laurence Dunbar High Schoo
Press Release: Mayor Bowser Names Alejandro Diasgranados as 2021 DC Teacher of the Year
2020
Teacher of the Year: Justin Lopez-Cardoze, Seventh Grade Science Teacher, Capital City Public Charter School
View Justin Lopez-Cardoze’s profile
Runners Up:
Elizabeth Barkley, English, Social Action/Human Rights, and Global Perspectives Teacher, Cardozo High School
Dr. Daniel Spruill, K-8 Music Teacher and Choir Director, Center City Public Charter School Brightwood Campus
Press Release: Mayor Bowser Surprises Teacher at Capital City Public Charter School with 2020 DC Teacher of the Year Award