Layton McCann with class

Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) is proud to recognize Thomas Jefferson Elementary fifth-grade teacher Layton McCann as the Falls Church Education Foundation 2020 Teacher of the Year! 

McCann, one of ten teachers nominated this year, was selected by an anonymous panel of judges comprising past Teacher of the Year nominees from other school divisions. McCann is now a finalist for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced later this month, and will be awarded $1500 from FCEF. 


Here's a few comments included in her nomination packet:

“Layton sees each child in her class as an individual, works daily to meet them where they are academically and socially, and supports them to reach their potential. Layton understands that classroom culture and student social-emotional development are at the heart of learning. Layton puts students first, sharing her passion for content in ways she knows will reach all learners… Layton makes it safe to make mistakes, to take risks, and to think boldly through her development of a caring classroom community.”

--Mary Kate Hughes & Karin Ritchey, 5th Grade Teacher, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School 

“As a team member, she is always willing to jump on committees or attend conferences if others are unable. Her calm and rational demeanor also make her an excellent problem solver and someone to turn to in a pickle - she’ll help you find the right path.”

--Lisa Mueller, 5th Grade Teacher, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

“Mrs. McCann meets every student at their level of learning and encourages them through their own learning journey… We are lucky to have Mrs. McCann for a second time this school year. Our children have thrived in her classroom as learners, and they have grown in their self-initiative and independence.”

-- Emily & Roderick Carmody, parents

The 2020 FCEF Teacher of the Year Nominees

  • Ann Beckman, ESOL Teacher, Mount Daniel Elementary School

  • Jeff Buck, Seventh Grade Civics & Economics Teacher, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School

  • Tammy Chincheck, Social Studies Teacher, George Mason High School

  • Jaclyn Harper, Kindergarten Teacher, Mount Daniel Elementary School

  • Peter Laub, English Teacher, George Mason High School

  • Layton McCann, Fifth Grade Teacher, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

  • Amanda Morey, Second Grade Teacher, Mount Daniel Elementary School

  • Terry Mountain, Kindergarten Teacher, Mount Daniel Elementary School

  • Shelly Skomra, Fourth Grade Teacher, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School

  • David Sikora, Kindergarten Teacher, Mount Daniel Elementary School