OSSE Contact: Ayan Islam (202) 316-1841; [email protected]
(WASHINGTON, DC) – In a surprise award presentation today, Julia King of DC Prep Edgewood Middle Campus was honored as 2013 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year by Mayor Vincent C. Gray, State Superintendent of Education Hosanna Mahaley Jones, Interim Deputy Mayor for Education Jennifer Leonard, Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, State Board of Education Vice President and Ward 5 member Mark Jones and Public Charter School Board member Don Soifer. The annual award is given to a public school teacher in recognition for their outstanding teaching in the District of Columbia and professional leadership within and beyond the classroom.
“This is a well-deserved honor for Ms. King, and I am proud to recognize her commitment to her students, to her school and to the District of Columbia,” said Mayor Gray. “She exemplifies what outstanding teaching and professional leadership look like both within and beyond the classroom.”
A 7th Grade Teacher at DC Prep Edgewood Middle Campus and a 2010 Teach for America’s National Sue Lehmann Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient, Ms. King has been praised by parents and colleagues for her innovative teaching style and hands-on projects to stimulate classroom learning while creatively introducing young students to reading and mathematics. During her tenure she has also served in varied roles including Grade Level Lead and session facilitator.
“The 2013 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year Award recognizes the extraordinary sacrifices our teachers make to ensure student success and Ms. King is a shining example of what passionate, talented educators look like in the District,” added State Superintendent Mahaley Jones. “We appreciate her creativity in the classroom which generates a lasting impression on students, parents, and peers, and promotes positive change for the community.”
Nominated citywide and representing both DCPS and District charter schools, the District of Columbia Teacher of the Year is selected annually by a panel of education leaders through an extensive application process that includes a written application and essay, interviews and classroom observation.
As 2013 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year, Julia King will represent the District in a variety of educational capacities with other state teachers of the year, beginning January 30 – February 2 at the 2013 State Teacher of the Year Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Along with Ms. King, other finalists were Laura Good of Excel Academy Public Charter Schools and Shajena Erazo of Ballou Senior High School. The DC Teacher of the Year and finalists will also attend a February State Board of Education public meeting to be formally recognized with other DC state-wide educator award winners.
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