This morning, Frederick County Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban surprised FCPS Career and Technology Center instructor Philip Arnold with the news that he is the 2021 Washington Post Teacher of the Year.
Each year, the Washington Post recognizes teachers in the Washington Metropolitan area who exemplify excellence in their profession and who contribute to improvements in education.
Arnold learned of the news during an outdoor ceremony organized by the FCPS “SurPRIZE Patrol,” which was led by FCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Alban, Board of Education of Frederick County member Brad Young and Career and Technology Center Principal Michael Concepcion.
A number of colleagues and students joined Concepcion in recommending Arnold for Teacher of the Year recognition. Arnold teaches Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs at the Career and Technology Center.
“A teacher with the ability to inspire students is the type of teacher who will be long remembered by his or her students,” Concepcion said. “Mr. Arnold is a superb example of a teacher who motivates his students to maximize their potential and do great things. His approach to teaching and learning is inspirational.”
Students describe Mr. Arnold as someone who knows how to problem solve while instilling a joy in learning for students.
“Mr. Arnold is one of a few teachers I have been honored to have met who tirelessly submits to the passion of teaching so that no student, no matter their ability or dream, ever feels like they are not valued or cannot achieve that which they want to reach,” said Andrew Brown, Vice-President Frederick County Students Construction Trades Foundation, Inc.
Arnold, who received the Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher award in 2017, earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
Arnold is a graduate of Linganore High. He began his teaching career at FCPS Career and Technology Center in 2010 after serving as a professional systems engineer.