Mason Teacher Honored As One of the Best in the Region

Karin Tooze knew she wanted a career as a teacher from a very early age.

She had two big influences – her mother who was a teacher and a high school English teacher in Indiana – that led her into the education field. Tooze, an English teacher and writing lab instructors at George Mason High, said she enjoys teaching but never expected to be named a recipient of the Washington Post’s Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award.

“I don’t think a lot of people get this recognition in their career,” Tooze said Monday during an interview in her classroom. “It’s an honor.”

The Washington Post announced their list of winners Monday. Tooze is one of seven Falls Church City Public Schools teachers nominated for the award and one of several 2012 recipients. The award is presented to one teacher from each of the 20 metro area public school divisions as well as one private school and one charter school. Each educator receives a $3,000 check and will be honored at a Washington Post ceremony in May. FCCPS will hold a reception for their nominees in May as well, according to a release from the school system.

A couple weeks ago Tooze had a message on her phone from Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones asking her to give her a call her back. Tooze said she was nervous about returning the call but did it anyway. Jones told the 11-year teaching veteran (nine years with FCCPS) that she had won the Washington Post award.

Tooze said she was excited and called her husband and mother to share the news. When she had a chance to read the nomination letters from teachers and students, Tooze said she cried.

“I’m excited the Washington Post is allowing me to invite the teachers and students that nominated me,” she said.

Tooze said she has received continued support from her colleagues including school Principal Tyrone Byrd.

In a written statement, Byrd said Tooze represents the best in a profession filled with caring, talented and dedicated people.

"Her exhaustive efforts on behalf of our most precious resource provide the template for what is required to successfully prepare children for the opportunities that await them in the global community of tomorrow,” Byrd said in a statement.