April 25, 2022 – Megan Grace, a science and math teacher from Baldwin Intermediate School (BIS), has been named the division winner for The Washington Post Teacher of the Year. The award, sponsored by The Washington Post annually, recognizes educators around the Washington region that illustrate excellence in their roles, promote exceptional education and contribute toward student success through their dedication and service.

Grace was nominated by her peers and has been commended for fostering relationships with students and her involvement with a variety of staff-led committees. She founded a running club for students and has coached both the boys and girls basketball clubs, which has furthered advanced her connection with students.

Taylor Greer, lead English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher at BIS, said Grace has made it a practice to look at the whole child and she not only addresses the academic concerns of her students but pays attention to their emotional well-being as well.

“Her classroom is a community of students who know—and are affirmed daily—to try hard, make mistakes and keep working until you achieve your goals,” added Greer.

Grace, who has taught science, social studies and math at Baldwin Intermediate, also has experience with teaching Gifted and Talented students, English as a Second Language (ESOL) students and special education students. She is in her fifth year of teaching with Manassas City Public Schools and has taught at Baldwin Intermediate since the school opened in 2017.  

Fellow BIS teacher Christy Harris said Grace carefully plans her lessons but is sure to adjust her teaching to better serve her students’ needs. Harris said Grace “is a wonderful example of a lifelong learner,” who inspires her students and colleagues alike.

“She knows her subject matter well and collaborates with other teachers so that the lessons she teaches are relevant, exciting, aligned and tailored to her students,” said Harris. 

Grace is the current science department lead and facilitates collaborative planning. She has served as a mentor for new teachers and won Outstanding First Year Teacher when she began teaching in Manassas City. She has since served on the Benefits Committee, PBIS Committee, Culture Committee, Teacher Support Committee and Superintendent’s Advisory Committee and the Leadership Team.

Grace’s colleagues describe her as a supportive team member, who is generous, engaging, energetic, uplifting and dedicated.

 “Ms. Grace instills a desire to learn and achieve within her classroom as she engages in hands-on learning,” said fellow teacher Lauren Gardner. “Her classroom is a safe environment for students to think outside of the box, collaborate with fellow students and expand their thinking.”

Hope Ward said she is grateful that three of her children were taught by Ms. Grace. One of her children was struggling with math, but Grace “gave [her] the confidence to succeed and now she loves math,” she recalled. Even during virtual learning, Ward said Grace was able to build relationships with her students.

Prior to teaching in Manassas City, Grace was a substitute in her hometown of Allegany, New York. She received her bachelor’s degree in history from The College at Brockport and her master’s in elementary reading and mathematics from Walden University.

Grace and other nominees for the honor were recognized during a school board meeting in January. She was surprised with news that she won Monday, April 25.