A lifelong D.C. resident and Howard University alumnae, Donna Warfield knew even as a little girl that she wanted to be a teacher, describing how she came home each day and taught her family what she had learned at school. Her entire family attended D.C. Public Schools, and she has spent more than 30 years working in this school district. Before her 12 years of service at Roosevelt, Ms. Warfield taught at the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit. Ms. Warfield is driven by a deep affection for her students. “I love my students and I can feel their love and respect for me,” she explains. “Since we share that bond, they are open to learning new things, and trust that I would never steer them wrong.” Ms. Warfield emphasizes to her students that they can master any skill if they put forth the effort, and assures them, “they can always depend on me, because I am never going to let them give up.”

Her students perform at high levels thanks to her encouragement, demonstrating 80 percent growth in reading and math last year. A master educator commented that her lessons are frequently connected to daily living skills, self-management, and independence. Ms. Warfield’s students at Roosevelt frequently call her “Mom” and see her as a caregiver. She tells parents that she considers them her own kids, and frequently checks in with families during the summers and after-school.  “I love when they model my expressions, my sayings, and my expectations to each other without me having to say anything,” she says. “That is the greatest compliment!”