She teaches math to teenagers in Northeast. She aces D.C. Public Schools’ teacher evaluations. And at an awards ceremony last week, go-go legend Chuck Brown called her “a precious lady.” Meet Shira Fishman, the D.C. Teacher of the Year. Congratulations! That’s an exciting honor.
I was very embarrassed. I’m flattered, but very embarrassed at the same time. I’m used to being in front of my kids every day, and I’m not ever worried about that. But being recognized … I’m kind of shy when it comes to public appearances.
This is your eighth year with D.C. Public Schools, and fifth at McKinley Technology High School. How did you get into teaching?
I was working for an engineering firm for a couple of years, and I liked it, but didn’t have the passion. I was coaching basketball, and always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to teach, so I applied for D.C. Teaching Fellows. I was torn whether to accept. I kept a spreadsheet of my emotions — whether I should leave mechanical engineering — and my friends said, “Only a math teacher would keep a spreadsheet of that.”
What’s the best part of your day?
Seeing kids’ energy and enthusiasm, especially when they’re learning something new or solving a problem they didn’t think they could. My favorite thing is throwing up a diagram on the board that has all sorts of markings and labels on it, something they’ve never ever seen — then coming back a month later and seeing them solve it matter-of-factly.
How do you keep teens motivated?
It’s all about building relationships with the kids. Once you trust them and they trust you, you’re going to put all your effort into seeing each other succeed. My students trust me and they know I’m setting high expectations for them because I’m going to help them get there.
— Lisa Gartner
