DC's finest teachers were in the spotlight this week as Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated their achievements at the annual OSSE Educator Awards Ceremony, reports say. Held at Gallaudet University's Kellogg Conference Hotel, the event saw educators from across the District come together to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to students.
During the ceremony, Mayor Bowser thanked the teachers “Last week, we honored the guiding stars of our classrooms during Teacher Appreciation Week, celebrating their unwavering dedication to their students and school communities. Today, it is an honor to recognize some of the District’s best educators who go above and beyond, serving as leaders in their schools and role models for all,” Bowser stated, “Congratulations to all our award-winning DC educators, and thank you to all DC teachers for your passion, commitment and everything you do for students and families.”, according to a DC government release.
The event, attended by educational dignitaries and council members, featured student emcees and performances by Stanton Elementary School students and acknowledged a slew of esteemed awards. Among the honored was the 2024 DC Teacher of the Year, Beth Barkley, who has taught English and Spanish literacy in schools from El Salvador to Prince George's County and currently teaches at Cardozo Education Campus.
“We are fortunate to have outstanding educators, like our 2024 DC Teacher of the Year Beth Barkley who connect with their students on a personal level, really work to understand their strengths and needs, and rally all resources to support them so that they may be successful in school and in life.” State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant declared in her praise during the event, according to a statement. Barkley's accolade of 2024 Teacher of the Year comes along with a $7,500 prize, acknowledging her highly effective teaching ratings since 2017.
Other recipients of the night included various DC Teacher of the Year finalists, the 2023 Milken Educator Awardee, DC History Teacher of the Year, and Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching state finalists, alongside the celebration of National Blue Ribbon Schools. Kena Allison, Chad Harris, Rabiah Harris, and Aneesah Blount were spotlighted as Teacher of the Year Finalists, exemplifying the dedication and excellence fostered within DC's educational sphere.
