DoDEA’s Kerrie Gill honored at White House

DoDEA educator Kerrie Gill, with SHAPE Middle School in Belgium, was honored by President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden at the White House, alongside other state teachers of the year, during Washington Week April 29-May 2.

Washington Week is an annual event for state teachers of the year from across the United States to include the U.S. Virgin Islands, Marianas Islands, American Samoa, Guam and DoDEA, to come to the nation’s capital to develop leadership skills and to celebrate their selection as state teachers of the year.

Gill, the DoDEA 2024 Teacher of the Year, shares her recent experience:

"It is the honor of a lifetime to have represented DoDEA students, families, and educators during Washington Week 2024 hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to learn, engage in the hard and true conversations, celebrate the successes occurring in DoDEA schools, and advocate for our students, teachers, and the profession.

Our week was a whirlwind of inspiration and collaboration. We celebrated excellence with the 2024 Teachers of the Year, then tackled challenges head-on during roundtables with Department of Education divisions and even with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. We also forged connections for DoDEA students by meeting with Pentagon partners and expanded our horizons through insightful visits to the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. The week was full of moments to honor the work being done within our agency and the work we have yet to do.

The week ended with attending the first-ever Teachers of the Year state dinner as an ambassador for DoDEA on May 2. First lady Jill Biden was a gracious host, having themed everything from decor to deserts with education in mind. We were visited by Dr. Biden, President Biden, Pete Buttigieg, the second gentleman, and several Congresspeople along with the Army and Navy bands. It was an evening I'll never forget.

First, public education is in the greatest of hands with the educators I met during Washington Week 2024. These educators almost feel superhuman in all they do and accomplish for our students and families. They strive for excellence in education for every single student, every single day. They are student-centered and family focused. They improve their craft through collaboration and dialogue with everyone from people in their communities to those on the Hill. They respect the profession while also knowing we have so much room for growth. I am thankful to have even been in the presence of these humans, and their celebration at the White House was well deserved. I know all DoDEA teachers are worthy of such an honor as well for the tireless efforts they put into providing excellent education for every student, every day, everywhere in DoDEA.

Second, we have to make sure teachers have a seat at the table. At all the tables where discussion is being had and policy is being made surrounding education, we deserve a seat. I'm thankful to DoDEA, CCSSO, and the White House for ensuring our voices are heard as we advocate for our students, our teachers, and our profession.

Finally, as I reflect on this week, I'm reminded how small but mighty our DoDEA family is. Our military-connected kiddos are beautifully unique and live a life that is vastly different from so many of their same-aged peers. I was proud to share their experiences and those of my colleagues this week.

Kerrie Gill (second from left) participates in Lightning Lessons with Teachers of the Year from throughout the United States, to include Missy Testerman (far left), the 2024 National Teacher of the Year from Tennessee.

I don't always feel deserving of this platform, but a few things I know for certain. Military-connected kids are, and will forever be, at the core of my work and advocacy. I'm giving myself permission to bring my expertise to the table because our kids deserve it. Our communities deserve it. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes reminded the 2024 Teachers of the Year cohort there's a reason it's us in this moment. Perhaps we have been chosen for a time such as this. What an honor to be chosen to elevate and lift the stories of our military-connected students and families and educators." 

Gill was also recently spotlighted by DoD: DoDEA's Teacher of the Year Celebrated During Trip to Washington.