DC math teacher surprised with $10,000 national award for outstanding work in classroom

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — One math teacher at KIPP DC Public Schools was smiling ear-to-ear after he was named a 2025 Harriet Ball Excellence in Teaching Award winner.

Ricardo Henry is a middle school teacher and case manager at KIPP DC’s The Learning Center and was among 10 educators across the nation to be recognized with the $10,000 award, highlighting his exemplary work in the classroom.

School officials noted that Henry was selected from a pool of nearly 8,000 teachers across the national network of KIPP Public Schools.

The Harriet Ball Excellence in Teaching Award is given to 10 outstanding K-12 teachers in the KIPP schools community. Teachers are selected based on their track record of improving student achievement, their school and classroom leadership and their commitment to preparing students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose.

Susan Schaeffler, the executive director of KIPP DC Public Schools, said Henry represents the very best of what it means to be an educator.

“His unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and meeting every student where they are is transforming lives every single day. Ricardo’s work reminds us that when we believe in our students, hold them to high expectations, and tailor our instruction to their strengths, there is no limit to what they can achieve. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor with him,” said Schaeffler.

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