ED Commemorates National Teacher Day Across America
Secretary Duncan joined thousands of parents, students, school administrators and officials across the country in recognizing and honoring the work and dedication of America’s more than 5 million teachers on National Teacher Day.To commemorate the day and acknowledge our nation’s “unsung heroes,” Duncan visited educators at Friendship Chamberlain Elementary and Junior Academy and Houston Elementary School in Washington, D.C.
At Friendship Chamberlain, Duncan visited the classroom of Stephanie Day. Day, a 26-year-old Teach for America alumni and lead special education resource teacher at the Chamberlain campus, was selected by a panel of District education leaders as the 2010 D.C. Teacher of the Year. Her goal during her one-year tenure as Teacher of the Year is to get the word out that Washington, D.C. needs more great teachers.
Following the visit at Chamberlain, Duncan visited with distinguished teachers and staff at Houston Elementary School where he thanked them for their hard work and commitment to improving student achievement. In 2009, Houston students improved 14 points in reading and math, and the school met its adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals for the first time in years.
Principal Charlotte Whitten-Watkins, an educator noted for emphasizing a “no excuses for failure” policy, escorted Duncan to the classrooms of veteran educators who share that philosophy. After a visit with Mary Riley, a 1st grade teacher with 43 years of distinguished service at Houston, Duncan stopped by the classroom of Tracy Thomas, where he reminded her 5th grade students to take a moment and thank her for her time and effort on their behalf. Thomas is the only Houston teacher to receive a perfect score this year under the DC IMPACT teacher evaluation program.
The Secretary will continue his Teacher Appreciation Week tour with a stop at George Mason High School in Falls Church, Virginia, on Thursday, May 6th.
Todd May
Office of Communications and Outreach
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