Today, Interim State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell announced that Jazzmyne Townsend, the 2025 DC Teacher of the Year, has been named one of four finalists for the 2025 National Teacher of the Year. Ms. Townsend and Teachers of the Year from American Samoa, Colorado, and Pennsylvania were selected as finalists from a pool of 56 educators representing every U.S. state, territory, and the Department of Defense schools.

“When we announced Ms. Townsend as the DC Teacher of the Year in the fall, you could just see and feel from the reaction of her students and colleagues how loved and respected she is and how deserving she is of this recognition,” said Interim State Superintendent Dr. Mitchell. “Ms. Townsend is a wonderful and talented teacher, she’s a fantastic role model for our students and her fellow educators, and we are so proud to have her representing Washington, DC on this national stage.”

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), which runs the National Teacher of the Year Program, announced the names of the four finalists today. A 14-member selection committee, composed of education professionals and organizations, reviewed written applications to determine the finalists for the prestigious award.

“Being named a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor that acknowledges the dedication, passion, and impact that serve as the foundation of my 16-year career in education,” said Ms. Townsend. “It reflects not only excellence in the classroom but also my commitment to fostering growth, creativity, and lifelong learning. I am excited to use this opportunity to inspire and advocate for my students and school community. I am forever indebted to every student, colleague, family and administrator who has supported my journey!” 

A highly engaging and talented K-5 English language arts (ELA) Instructional Coach at Stanton Elementary School in Ward 8, Ms. Townsend has served as an educator for 16 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Howard University, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education (ACE), and is currently pursuing a doctorate from ACE.

Ms. Townsend said her education and classroom experience in the District of Columbia have equipped her with the skills, knowledge, and acumen to cultivate academic success in urban schools. Ms. Townsend uses research-based and developmentally appropriate strategies to meet the needs of students across her school. Her commitment to equity has been the driving force behind her pursuit of student success.

“Since being named DC's Teacher of the Year, it has been a joy to experience Ms. Townsend's enthusiasm for the recognition.” said DC Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee. “She is a leader among leaders and making it to the ‘final four’ is well-deserved. Her students, along with our entire district and city, are so proud to have her creativity and talent for teaching within our educator workforce. Congratulations, Ms. Townsend!”

The other three finalists for 2025 National Teacher of the Year are:

• Mikaela Saelua, the 2025 American Samoa Teacher of the Year, teaches senior English, journalism/yearbook, AP English language and composition at Leone High School in the Western District of American Samoa.
• Janet Renee Damon, the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year, teaches history and has taught in Denver Public Schools for more than 25 years as a history teacher, literacy interventionist, library specialist, and trainer and a K-12 school librarian.
• Ashlie Crosson, the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, is an English teacher at Mifflin County High School who teaches Advanced Placement language and composition, journalism, English 10, and Survival Stories.

The finalists will interview with the National Teacher of the Year Program’s Selection Committee and CCSSO will announce the 2025 National Teacher of the Year this spring. The 2025 National Teacher of the Year will spend the next year serving as an ambassador and advocate for all teachers and students.

CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program honors exceptional teachers across the country, identified by their states and territories as teachers of the year, by celebrating their work. Through a one-of-a-kind professional learning program, the National Teacher of the Year Program helps teachers amplify their instructional practices as well as their voices and empowers them to take part in policy discussions at the state and national level.

Read Jazzmyne Townsend’s bio and National Teacher of the Year application on the CCSSO website. More information about the 2025 State Teachers of the Year and CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program is available at ntoy.ccsso.org.