TJ Teacher Named 2008
Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher
Award Winner
POSTED: 4:03 p.m. EDT, March 26, 2008
By: FCCPS Communications
 If it were up to his students, Jed Frei would have been named teacher of the year on the first day of school. The 10-year veteran educator consistently earns rave reviews among his young charges at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School as the teacher who makes learning fun.
Today, the Washington Post officially recognized Frei as one of the finest teachers in the region by naming him the 2008 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award winner from Falls Church City. Shortly after the newspaper published the good news, Superintendent Lois Berlin surprised Frei with a congratulatory bouquet of balloons, and Frei instantly credited his students for his success.
“I have been so lucky in the years that I’ve taught just to have students who are hard-working and motivated,” Frei said. “Even when things are hard, they’re just willing to go further…and that really motivates me.”
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.
Dozens of parents, teachers and students submitted letters of support in nominating Frei for the award. Many described him as positive, creative and innovative in his approach to teaching.
“Our staff respects Jed, and it’s easy to see why,” the fourth grade team wrote. “His natural exuberance brings positive energy to everyone.”
“Mr. Frei is very funny,” student Avi Silverman wrote. “One time when we were calling out verbs, he acted them all out. He is very peppy and always smiling.”
“He is usually at the forefront of any technological improvements our system has to offer,” TJ Principal Trudy Taylor wrote. “This year, he is one of two teachers piloting the new ‘Smart Board’ in his classroom.”
Frei also uses the ELMO projection system in his class, which allows him to electronically share primary documents and other materials with the whole class. He acquired the technology through a grant he applied for independently and was awarded.
Frei was among seven Falls Church City teachers nominated for the award. All of them will be recognized by the school board at a reception later this spring. Frei will also be recognized along with other winners from the region at a Washington Post reception in May.
Archives
|
