(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser and State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell announced Ramon Griffin as the 2027 DC Teacher of the Year during a surprise celebration at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School. Griffin, a veteran educator with 13 years of teaching experience, will represent Washington, DC in the national competition hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and will receive a $7,500 award aimed at supporting his professional development.
Griffin has spent the last seven years at Thurgood Marshall Academy in Ward 8, where he has taught a diverse range of subjects, including Advanced Placement African American Studies, Algebra, and Earth Science. He previously served as the Director of Climate and Culture at Dunbar High School, focusing on academic and behavioral systems that fostered a positive learning environment. Griffin holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Trinity Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Morehouse College.
In his Teacher of the Year application, Griffin emphasized the importance of creating lessons that ignite curiosity and honor cultural strengths. He is recognized for his engaging and academically rigorous instructional methods, which have led to impressive outcomes for his students, including significant growth in standardized assessments. For example, his Math 180 classes exceeded expected growth benchmarks by up to 200 percent, and 87.5% of his students passed the AP exam in African American Studies during his first year teaching the subject.
The DC Teacher of the Year program, administered by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate a commitment to student growth, collaboration with families and communities, and leadership within the teaching profession. Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell praised Griffin, stating that his teaching not only motivates students but also drives academic achievement that strengthens school communities.
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