October 17, 2025
Dear Washingtonians,
Every year, I have the honor and pleasure of announcing DC’s Teacher of the Year, and every year, it is one of my favorite celebrations. It is an incredible experience to hear an auditorium of students erupt in cheers when their teacher is announced and to see the other educators in the room just as excited as the students. It is a joyful reminder of the fact that we not only have world-class teachers in schools across all eight wards, but that we also have strong school communities filled with love and appreciation.
And that was the scene on Thursday when we announced Christopher Alberts as our 2026 DC Teacher of the Year. Mr. Alberts is the Director of Performing Arts and a music educator at School Without Walls High School.
 Mr. Alberts said: “I don’t teach music to create musicians; I teach music to create thinkers, leaders, collaborators, and creators.” And it is clear that he and his colleagues are doing great work — earlier this year, School Without Walls was named the #1 high school in Washington, DC by U.S. News & World Report. Under the leadership of Mr. Alberts, the school boasts a dynamic and thriving performing arts department, with 45 percent of students enrolled in music education this school year.
And it’s not just at School Without Walls where our students are thriving. In DCPS and public charter schools across the city, student achievement is up, teacher retention is up, and so is parent satisfaction. We know that teachers are a cornerstone of this progress. So, to Mr. Alberts: congratulations; and to all our educators: thank you.
Sincerely,
  Find photos from this week on Facebook.
Next week, join the Department of Parks and Recreation for Monster Smash, a wildly fun evening of music, tennis instruction, tennis play, and fun for the whole family—including separate activities for youth and adults. Come dressed in your favorite costume for a chance to win prizes!
-
When: Thursday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m.
-
Where: Banneker Tennis Courts, 2500 Georgia Avenue NW
- More information and register here
Looking for a fun, free weekend activity? Head down to Bathe-ing DC, a two-day wellness festival at Anacostia Sandlot in Ward 8. Sweat out your stress in a sauna, experience aromatherapy, sound baths, and cold plunges, and harness the power of deep heat for recovery, stress relief, and relaxation.
There will also be a makers market, food and drink, music, interactive art, and more!
-
When:
- Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
-
Sunday, October 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
-
Where: Sandlot Anacostia, 633 Howard Road SE
-
More information here
Back to Top
This Sunday, bring your car, your grill, and your friends and family to experience the ultimate game day tailgate party at the Kenilworth Track. Not only will you be able to watch the Commanders take on the Dallas Cowboys, but you can also enjoy food, a guest DJ, a live BBQ cookoff, giveaways, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
-
When: Sunday, October 19 at 3:00 p.m.
-
Where: Kenilworth Track, 1300 44th Street NE
- More information and RSVP here
Back to Top |
