Jazzmyne Townsend is the 2025 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year who teaches K-5 English language arts and serves as an instructional coach. In her classroom at Stanton Elementary School, Townsend has designed the space for continued learning— comfortable, collaborative and built to welcome every learner.
Guided by a powerful quote by Elaine Welteroth, “When the music changes, so must your dance,” Townsend says she embraces the unpredictable rhythm of teaching with grit and grace. Her adaptability shows up in her daily interactions with students. She believes the ability to adapt and be flexible will lead us to success.
Townsend credits her students with helping to shape her teaching philosophy. She learned a meaningful lesson from one of her third-grade students, Zariah, about placing students at the center of the learning experience: “When we tailor instruction to their needs, interests and strengths, we foster deeper understanding, motivation and a love for learning that lasts.”
