Mount Daniel Educator Named Outstanding Teacher

Ms. Amy Harding-Wright is this year’s Falls Church recipient of the Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Amy’s credentials teaching our youngest students,” Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Lois Berlin said.  “Preschool is often a child’s first experience with formal education, and as an early childhood specialist, Amy helps provide a firm foundation for students enrolled in our special needs preschool program.”

The annual award is presented by the Washington Post to one teacher from each of the 19 metro area public school divisions and one private school.  The award’s namesake, Agnes Meyer, was a staunch supporter and defender of public education and the wife of Eugene Meyer, who purchased the Washington Post in 1933.  The goals of the award are to recognize excellence in teaching and to encourage creative and quality instruction.

Parents and colleagues submitted letters of support for Harding-Wright’s nomination for the award.

“When entering Mrs. Harding-Wright’s classroom, I am always struck by the nurturing and caring atmosphere that she provides for the very young children in her care,” Principal Kathy Halayko wrote.  Her smile is warm and welcoming as she shares her sincere joy, excitement and love for learning in her preschool classroom.”

“Through grouping, varying activities and creatively engaging students, she finds alternative routes to meet each child’s needs,” teacher Danielle Clark wrote, and one child’s parents wrote, “Her ability to nurture and coax (our son) into learning and interacting constructively with his teachers and peers had a profoundly positive effect on his life at a very difficult and critical time in his development.”

A 16 year veteran educator from Mount Daniel Elementary, Ms. Harding-Wright is credited with starting the school’s special education preschool program in 2000.  Her tenure began in 1996 as the school division’s inclusion teacher.  She also has served as the child find coordinator, identifying preschool students with special needs; and as an early childhood specialist.

Ms. Harding-Wright earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York and a master’s in education from The College of St. Rose in Albany.  She also has completed postgraduate coursework in special education and school administration and supervision at the University of Virginia.

Ms. Harding-Wright was among five City public school teachers nominated for the award.  All will be recognized by the school board at a reception later this spring.  Harding-Wright also will be recognized with other winners from the region at a Washington Post reception in May.