STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The purpose of the program is to recognize one District of Columbia high school classroom teacher each year at the state level for his or her accomplishments and achievements in exciting students about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and preparing them to use and contribute to tomorrow’s technologies. This is a unique opportunity for states to reward special teachers who are furthering excellence and making coming to class an adventure.
2011 State Teacher of the Year
District of Columbia
Ms. Aqueelha R. James
Biotechnology Instructor (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
McKinley Technology High School
DC Pubic Schools
Ms. Aqueelha James is a biotechnology instructor for 10th through 12th grade students at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, DC. She is also an adjunct biotechnology instructor at Fortis College in Landover, MD.
Ms. James has been a high school science teacher in the DC area since 2003, teaching at Excellence Christian High School, Clinton Christian High School, and Langston High School. Prior to that, she was a pharmaceutical sales representative for one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies.
She is a member of the National Science Teacher Association, National Association of Biology Teachers, Bio-International, DC Biotech Industry Advisory Committee, Health Occupation Student Association, and McKinley Technology High School Parent Teacher Student Association. Ms. James is also a District of Columbia Public School Teacher Selector/Interviewer, Chair of the McKinley Technology High School Local School Advisory Team, and McKinley Technology High School Club Advisor.
Past achievements include selection as member of Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s 2009-2010 Teacher Cabinet, Teaching & Learning Framework in Action Initiative Fellow, Honorable Mention recipient of the Rubenstein Award for Highly Effective Teaching, and DC Public Schools Highly Effective Educator Award recipient.
Prior to her tenure at McKinley Technology High School, Ms. James was Clinton Christian High School Science Junior Class Sponsor, Clinton Christian High School Ladies Varsity Basketball Team Assistant Coach, Langston High School Continuation Program Chemistry Club Sponsor, and Langston High School Continuation Extended Learning Time advisory member.
Past Recipients
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