Cora Kelly School Teacher Wins Washington Post Outstanding Teacher Award

Sign up for the Del Ray Patch newsletter!

Reading specialist Maria Magallanes celebrated with colleagues from Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology last week after she was named 2015 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher of the Year by The Washington Post.

Magallanes, who joined Alexandria City Public Schools as a second grade teacher in 2009 before becoming a reading specialist in 2013, was commended for her innovation, creativity and resourceful teaching methods, according to a news release from from Alexandria City Public Schools.

“It is an honor to receive the Agnes Meyer award named after a woman who exemplifies what I believe in, the importance of public education and the important roles teachers play in student’s lives. Receiving this award reflects my love of teaching as well as the amazing educators I have had the privilege of working with, who have inspired me and helped me become the teacher I am today,” said Magallanes, in the news release. Here’s more about her honor, from the ACPS news release:

Principal Brandon Davis credited Magallanes with ensuring that, despite having 90 percent of students living below the poverty line, 95 percent of students from minorities, close to 60 percent English Language Learners and two city-wide programs for students with autism and emotional disabilities, Cora Kelly had met all federal and state benchmarks for three consecutive years without having any gaps in reading skills among the subgroups at the school.

“Magallanes makes an incredible impact on the education of our students and staff and is an invaluable asset to the teaching profession. She works diligently with all students and staff to ensure their success and helps ensure a challenging and nurturing environment for all students in the school. I happily would place my own children under her guidance to ensure they are on the college path,” said Davis.

Magallanes received her master’s degree in arts curriculum and education from the University of Colorado and was a second-grade teacher in Colorado until she moved to work for Cora Kelly six years ago.

During her time at Cora Kelly, she has organized literacy nights and summer reading programs for both the students and their parents to engage in after school. She has been a member of the ACPS English Language Arts Committee, collaborates with the School Support Team to support students and families, has organized book drives for “Reading is Fundamental Week” and has provided strategies for parents at Parent Teacher Association nights.

“Magallanes instills in children and adults alike a passion and joy for learning. She can often be heard saying ‘give me the lowest group’ and eagerly welcomes the challenge, often moving her students multiple reading levels within one school year to help close the gap,” said Cora Kelly Assistant Principal Tanisha Martin.

As a coach for other teachers, Magallanes has co-facilitated collaborative learning teams and helped teachers to analyze their own data. She has also equipped them with thoughtful and meaningful instructional strategies to meet the needs of all their students.

“There is never a day that goes by that Magallanes does not radiate her enthusiasm for life and her love of learning. Magallanes is a lifelong learner and imparts this love of learning to all. Her willingness to do whatever it takes for the children is an inspiration to her colleagues. So much is accomplished through her unwavering devotion and leadership,” Martin said.

The Washington Post asked teachers to demonstrate their ability to instill in students a desire to learn, show they understood the individual needs of students and were able to foster their self-esteem and share their knowledge of their subject effectively with their students. They also asked nominees to demonstrate that they had fostered cooperative relationships with colleagues and the school community and demonstrate outstanding leadership skills.

“With her genuine love of teaching and her positive attitude, Magallanes has inspired her students and fellow teachers to excel. She is an exceptional role model, mentor and educator and truly deserves this award,” said Superintendent Alvin L. Crawley.

The Washington Post announced the winners on April 10. Magallanes will receive her award at a ceremony on May 19 in Washington, D.C. She will also be honored at the Alexandria City School Board meeting on April 15.