Elisabeth A. Casey, third-grade teacher at George Mason Elementary School, was named this year’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award winner from the Alexandria City Public Schools. The Washington Post gives the award annually to metropolitan area teachers who exemplify excellence and contribute to improving education.
Casey, who has taught at George Mason Elementary since 1996, has won other awards for her dedication including the Alexandria Education Partnership Excellence in Education Award in 2001 and the Phi Delta Kappa Making a Difference Award in 1999.
“Her love of the children and genuine concern for their growth and well-being is evident in the careful way she plans and implements instruction,” said George Mason Elementary Principal Lois Berlin. “She views students as individuals and strives to meet their needs and celebrate their successes.”
EVIDENT IN HER commitment to excellence in teaching, Casey works with the after-school tutoring and homework club and the 4-H newspaper club, and serves on many school-wide committees including the leadership team, faculty council, instructional improvement committee, and the standards-based education team. Commonly, Casey walks the neighborhoods surrounding the school to introduce parents to George Mason and promote the activities available to their students.
“We are constantly amazed at the energy, dedication, and commitment she brings to her job, as well as her incredibly positive outlook,” said Anne M. Vroom, parent of a third grader in Casey’s classroom. “My daughter is very excited about school because Ms. Casey makes learning fun and interesting. We are amazed at our daughter’s progress and at what she is learning.”
Casey holds a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in elementary education, both from George Washington University.
Casey and this year’s other nominees will be recognized by the Alexandria City School Board at its regular meeting on May 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the School Board Meeting Room, 2000 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria.