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.
2023 DC Teacher of the Year Nomination and Application Process
OSSE is searching for the 2023 DC Teacher of the Year. We are seeking nominations for outstanding teachers who:
- Inspire and accelerate growth for all students
- Build strong partnerships with families and communities
- Champion the teaching profession
Administrators, colleagues, LEA and school staff, parents, students, and community members can all submit nominations. Self-nominations are also acceptable. Please complete the 2023 DC Teacher of the Year Nomination Form during the nomination window of Friday, Feb. 18, 2022 - Saturday, April 30, 2022.
To be eligible for this award, a candidate must be a current teacher in a DC public school or public charter school and must plan to continue as a teacher in DC for the 2022-23 school year. The 2022 DC Teacher of the Year will receive a $7,500 award, professional development and leadership opportunities, and will represent DC in the 2023 National Teacher of the Year competition.
All nominees will receive an email from OSSE with instructions on how to complete the full application process. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 1, 2022. OSSE will announce the 2023 DC Teacher of the Year winner in October 2022.
OSSE also invites you to nominate outstanding math and science teachers for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, and outstanding K-12 History teachers of American History for the DC History Teacher of the Year.
2022 DC Teacher of the Year Awardees
2022 DC 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
2022 DC Teacher of the Year Runners Up: Dr. Takeisha Wilson, Fourth Grade Teacher, Shepherd Elementary School | Rickita Perry Taylor, Special Educator, Tyler Elementary School
2021 DC Teacher of the Year Awardees
2021 DC Teacher of the Year and 2021 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
2021 DC Teacher of the Year 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 School
2020 DC Teacher of the Year Awardees
2020 DC Teacher of the Year: Justin Lopez-Cardoze, Seventh Grade Science Teacher, Capital City Public Charter School | View Justin Lopez-Cardoze’s profile
2020 DC Teacher of the Year 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
OSSE Press Releases
- Mayor Bowser Announces Dominique Foster as 2022 DC Teacher of the Year During Surprise Celebration
- Alejandro Diasgranados, DC’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, Named a Finalist for National Teacher of the Year
- Mayor Bowser Names Alejandro Diasgranados as 2021 DC Teacher of the Year
- Mayor Bowser Surprises Teacher at Capital City Public Charter School with 2020 DC Teacher of the Year Award