Preschool Educator Named 2009 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher
POSTED: 2:22 p.m. EDT, March 30, 2009
By: FCCPS Communications
 A 16-year veteran educator from Mount Daniel Elementary School is this year’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award recipient. The Washington Post recognized preschool teacher Amy Harding-Wright (right) as one of the finest teachers in the region over the weekend by naming her the winner from Falls Church City.
“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.
Harding-Wright is credited with starting the special education preschool program at Mount Daniel in 2000. Her tenure with the Falls Church City Public Schools started in 1996 as the school division’s inclusion teacher. She has also served as the child find coordinator, identifying preschool students with special needs; and as an early childhood specialist.
Parents and colleagues submitted letters of support for Harding-Wright’s Agnes Meyer Award nomination.
“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.”
Harding-Wright earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY and a master’s degree in education from The College of St. Rose in Albany, N.Y. She has also completed postgraduate coursework in special education and school administration and supervision at the University of Virginia.
Harding-Wright was among five Falls Church City public school teachers nominated for the award. All of them will be recognized by the school board at a reception later this spring. Harding-Wright will also be recognized along with other winners from the region at a Washington Post reception in May.
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 Amy Harding-Wright
2009 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award Winner
Amy Harding-Wright Profile
Video from the morning Amy learned she was an
Agnes Meyer Award nominee.
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