Teacher of the Year Mr. Frank DeRocco

Counselor Mr. Frank DeRocco received the honor of Teacher of the Year by teachers, parents and students. He is in the running for Arlington Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Courtesy of www.washingtonlee.apsva.us

Counselor Mr. Frank DeRocco received the honor of Teacher of the Year by teachers, parents and students. He is in the running for Arlington Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Every year, students are encouraged to nominate a teacher who inspires and supports them for Washington-Lee’s Teacher of the Year award. Dozens of nominations are submitted, students naming a teacher and writing about why they should be recognized. From these submissions, a list of a dozen or so teachers with the most nominations are compiled in a list that is voted on by other teachers, parents and a few student representatives. This year, counselor Frank DeRocco received the honor. “There are a lot of teachers who get nominated and there are a lot of very qualified teachers who could have won,” DeRocco said. “I was just happy that I was nominated.”

When the results were announced, DeRocco was surprised that he had been chosen for the honor. “I was completely caught off guard and humbled,” DeRocco said. “Knowing that I was chosen for the teacher of the year is as very humbling experience and I am proud to represent Washington-Lee.”

Not only was DeRocco recognized for Washington-Lee, but he is also in the running for Arlington Public Schools (APS) Teacher of the Year. He is up against other educators from every school across the county, not just high schools. To support his nomination, students were again asked to submit letters about his qualifications. The honoree for APS Teacher of the Year has not yet been announced, but no matter the outcome, DeRocco is appreciative of the distinction. “Thank you to all of my students. All of my students continue to motivate me, inspire me and make me better counselor and a better person,” DeRocco said. “I am humbled by your stories and your support.”