Swanson Science Teacher Lands National Education Fellowship

ARLINGTON, VA — Swanson Middle School science teacher Daniel Bernhardt has been selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow for the 2026-27 school year, Arlington Public Schools announced.

Bernhardt was also appointed teacher in residence at the Library of Congress, where he plans to help connect Arlington students, teachers and families with educational resources through classroom collaborations, workshops and other learning experiences.

Subscribe

The fellowship, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, recognizes STEM educators from across the country and gives them opportunities to support science education through federal agencies and institutions.

Bernhardt has helped develop a nationally recognized student research program during his time at Swanson, according to the school division. His students have advanced to regional, state, national and international competitions, including the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

Nine Swanson students advanced to the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge this year, including eighth grader Laura Saperstein.

Her older sister, Margaret Saperstein, is a Swanson graduate and current Washington-Liberty High School student. Margaret represented Arlington Public Schools at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in the spring, earning top international honors in chemistry.

"Daniel's selection reflects not only his exceptional teaching, but also Arlington Public Schools' commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore science, research and innovation," Superintendent Francisco Durán said in the release. "His work has inspired students to pursue ambitious goals, and we are excited to see how this fellowship will create even more opportunities for our students, educators and community through his partnership with the Library of Congress."

Bernhardt will remain an Arlington Public Schools employee while completing the fellowship under an approved yearlong educational leave of absence. He will continue living in Arlington during the fellowship.