Ariel Alford, a history teacher from Hayfield Secondary School, has been awarded George Washington’s Mount Vernon 2023 History Teacher of the Year.

Currently in her eighth year of teaching United States and African American history, Alford also serves as a member of FCPS’ curriculum and professional development teams. Her work with Instructional Services has helped develop a high school curriculum that includes culturally responsible approaches to teaching U.S. history. She also has facilitated professional development for FCPS teachers teaching African American history and culture courses. 

In a recommendation for the award, a colleague said, “I am continually impressed with her creative lessons and engaging learning opportunities that task students with critical thinking. Ms. Alford not only focuses on teaching content to students, but also recognizes her students as young adults and works to help them discover their role as informed citizens.” 

Another added, “She uplifts students to know that they, and their voices, are valued.”

Alford has worked on writing curriculum for the National Women’s History Museum and developing content for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Digital Learning Initiative—Smithsonian Learning Lab Program. She is also an active member of Teaching for Change’s D.C. Area Educators for Social Justice.

The Mount Vernon History Teacher of the Year award is presented annually to one teacher in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area “who brings creativity and passion to their teaching, generates a love of learning, and deepens their students’ understanding and appreciation of history,” says Mount Vernon’s press release. The winner receives a fully funded trip to Mount Vernon for their students and a cash award of $5,000.