Updated: 4:38 PM EDT Apr 26, 2021
A Frederick County instructor was named the 2021 Washington Post Teacher of the Year.The district's superintendent surprised Frederick County Public Schools Career and Technology Center instructor Philip Arnold with the news Monday.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," according to a statement released by the district.Colleagues and students joined the school's principal, Michael Concepcion, in recommending Arnold for the recognition. Arnold teaches Computer Aided Design 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 in a statement. "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 described 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," Andrew Brown, vice president of the Frederick County Students Construction Trades Foundation Inc., said in a statement.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 Tech.Arnold is a graduate of Linganore High School, and he began his teaching career at FCPS Career and Technology Center in 2010 after serving as a professional systems engineer.