Jason Kamras, 2005 Washington, DC, Teacher of the Year

Jason Kamras is a mathematics teacher (grades 7-8) at John Philip Sousa Middle School in Washington, DC. Kamras has taught for eight years, all at Sousa which has 385 students.

“If all schools are to be held accountable for the achievement of their students—as I believe they ought to be—then we must ensure that all schools have the resources they need,” Kamras says. “When I make this argument in casual conversation, I am often told that our nation lacks the funds to fully support public education. I reject this. The resources exist; it is the political will that is lacking. A substantial increase in public education funding is essential to the long-term strength and success of our country. As educators, we sometimes underestimate the power of our collective voice. I have found that policymakers will listen intently when a teacher speaks. We can amplify that effect by working together to demand the resources we need to properly educate every American child. We must marshal our political clout on behalf of all children.”