Dr. Laurell Wiersma
Wakefield High School math teacher Dr. Laurell Wiersma has been named Arlington Public Schools 2012 Teacher of the Year.
Wiersma earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s in math from George Mason University. She earned a Ph.D. from American University and received licenses in school administration from George Mason University and trends and issues in gifted education from James Madison University.
Wiersma began her teaching career at Suitland High School in Forestville, Md., before coming to Wakefield in 1997. She also served as the APS math specialist for three years where she coordinated curricular and professional development activities related to K-12 math instruction.
Wiesrma will serve as Arlington’s nominee for the 2012 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and is one of 21 metropolitan D.C. area teachers who will be honored on May 15 at The Washington Post as part of the annual Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Awards sponsored by The Post Company’s Educational Foundation.
The Arlington School Board will recognize Wiesrma and the 32 other APS teachers who were named "Teacher of the Year" for their individual schools. The Teacher of the Year reception and recognition program will be held on Thursday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at Washington-Lee High School. The program will be aired on Comcast Cable Channel 70 and Verizon FiOS 41 beginning at 7:30 p.m.