WASHINGTON D.C., DC — During a virtual meeting with Aiton Elementary staff members, school officials surprised Alejandro Diasgrandos with the 2021 DC Teacher of the Year Award.
“Outstanding educators like Alejandro Diasgranados help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them and inspire them to be life-long learners,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
Diasgranados, better known as "Mr. Dias" by his fourth and fifth-grade students, has taught at Aiton Elementary for the entirety of his five-year career.
"Anyone can go into his room and be mesmerized by him," Aiton Principa Malaika Golden said. "I'm not sure what the special sauce is, but I wish we could bottle it up."
Over the years, Diasgranados has raised thousands of dollars to bring his students to his graduation from Johns Hopkins University. He also applied for a $10,000 grant from the Washington Football Team to bring a laundry center to the school.
"Aiton is a magical place," Diasgranados said. "So many people at Aiton really work hard and really believe in the students and I'm just a small piece of this beautiful masterpiece that Aiton is."
The DC Teacher of the Year award comes with a $7,500 check, which Mr. Dias said will go right back to his students.
“This year especially, I have seen our teachers work in new ways to demonstrate their commitment to our students’ success,” DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee said. “I am proud of all that Alejandro Diasgranados has done to keep our students engaged in rigorous and joyful learning experiences, and thankful for his trusted presence in our community. Congratulations to Mr. Diasgranados, whose remarkable leadership inspires us all.”
Lauren McKenzie, a social studies teacher at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School, and Shelina Warren, a social studies teacher at Dunbar High School, were finalists for the award, and each received $1,500.
Diasgranados will also be considered for the National Teacher of the Year Award, which is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers.