Washington Post 2018 Teacher Of The Year: Stafford's Dan Reichard

STAFFORD, VA—Dan Reichard, a fifth-grade teacher at Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School in Stafford, recently picked up a pretty nifty accolade. Namely, he was chosen as the Washington Post's 2018 Teacher of the Year.

He was chosen among 20 finalists from Virginia, Maryland and DC. According to the Post, they were chosen by the respective local school system, the DC Public Charter School Board or a panel of educators and community leaders with expertise in the private school community.

Reichard, in his sixth year of teaching, told the Post his goal as an elementary school educator is to build meaningful relationships with students.

"A lot of our kids come from really tough backgrounds," he said. "I am willing to do whatever it takes to make certain that my kids feel that they are seen, heard and loved every single day."

Click here for a complete list of the finalists. (Reichard was featured in Monday's print edition, April 16, of the newspaper).

Photo: Kate Waller Elementary School