Teachers of the Year Washington DC trip

I cannot begin to put this experience into words!

I am just going to highlight some of the main things I did in Washington as there is so much to say!

The Teachers of the Year were welcomed at the Ritz Carlton in DC by Target with a gift bag. They sponsored a dinner for us on the first night on top of the Newseum. It was so great to see all the other TOYs (it was Arizona in January last)! We have a bus to take us around in DC this week – it made it all feel really special. Dinner was great, and from the view on top of the Newseum we could see the Capitol and it was a beautiful sunset. After, we had a guided tour of the monuments.

Our Teacher of the Year gifts from Target – a great sponsor for education

Our bus!

All 54 of us (there are a few US island teachers too)

Monday we went to the Smithsonian for a day of learning. I had a chance to see behind the scenes at the Natural History museum and also help with a interactive learning activity they were creating for a new part of the museum.

The afternoon was very exciting as we went to Vice President Biden’s house for a luncheon! Jill Biden is a teacher and a wonderful advocate for us.

Tuesday was the big day to meet the President! I have to say that the whole day was surreal and when we boarded the bus to leave for the White House it became real. The ride over was pretty quiet as we all were in disbelief that what we were going to do! After several security checks, we practiced in the Rose Garden for the live media event in a couple hours with us and the President. Then we waited in the Roosevelt Room. As I was standing in there waiting with the other Teachers of the Year, I saw the door to the Oval Office open and there was the President smiling!!! We were in line and each had an opportunity to go into the Oval Office and meet the Obama, say a few words, then take a picture. I don’t remember what I said nor do I remember anything about the Oval Office! It was just so exciting to be there and meet Obama that I think I lost all other thoughts. My students say they must have done the Men in Black mind wipe, lol. The good news was that all the other teachers didn’t remember anything either.

Lots of security – I kept checking my ID every minute afraid I would lose it and not get in.

The view from the Rose Garden!

Practicing where to walk and stand in the Rose Garden

WATCH THE VIDEO of the President’s Address with the Teachers of the Year.

I am in the back right by the pillar – the President gave a great speech.

When I got this picture, I thought to myself, “It was real!”

I had the opportunity to take one person with me – and I took my dad. He is my inspiration to become a teacher. I couldn’t be more happy to have him there!

He talked to me again on the way out from the press conference!

When I came back – the excitement from the whole day!

Wednesday we had a day of learning at SMART technologies who gave each Teacher of the Year a SMART Board. Lots of really cool interactive things you can do with your students. Every teacher should have one of these!

Wednesday evening was the big gala night! We have all been really excited about this too. Black tie affair…. I bought my gown , had my hair done, and was ready to go. The evening was beautiful and they made us feel so special!

The National Teacher of the Year from WA spoke

Thursday we all headed over to the US Department of Education and learned about their RESPECT Program to elevate the teaching professional – something that needs to be done! Had some great conversations here.