The daughter of an elementary school reading teacher and a minister who believed in mentoring youth, Whitney Warren learned from a young age that “there is no higher calling than teaching.” Ms. Warren has taught at Banneker for the past 15 years, working with students on subjects ranging from English I through AP Language and Composition. Ms. Warren finds it particularly gratifying to see students find inspiration in books, which give self-confidence while also allowing students access to the world. A Christmas card that Ms. Warren received last year from a student whom she had taught for three years illustrated her impact. “I am normally very shy and nervous around my teachers, and monitor what I say because of how I may be perceived,” the student wrote. “But I am very different around you. You’re so knowledgeable and I love listening to the passion and enthusiasm in your voice when you discuss a novel or a poem. I’m glad I got the opportunity to learn from you.”

At least 98 percent of Ms. Warren’s students regularly pass IB English, including a 100 percent pass rate from 2010 to 2013. Additionally, 98 percent of her sophomores received proficient or advanced ratings on the DC CAS in 2014. Knowing that IB English can mean college credit for her students, Ms. Warren finds their success deeply gratifying. “My hope is that my students will push themselves to succeed,” she explains. “I have high expectations for their scholarship and character, but I also let them know that they are bright and capable.” Ms. Warren loves watching her students read and recite poetry, seeing how they can be affected by connecting the material to their own lives. This inspired her to begin Banneker’s Poetry Recitation contest. “When students own their learning,” she concludes, “we have done our job.”