WALDORF, Md. — Charles County resident Christopher O.J. Alberts, director of performing arts and instrumental music teacher at School Without Walls High School in Washington, D.C., has been named the 2026 DC Teacher of the Year by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the honor during a surprise celebration at the school on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, recognizing Alberts for his creativity, leadership and impact on arts education throughout the District.
“So, ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to say that the 2026 D.C. Teacher of the Year is Christopher Alberts,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
A Detroit native now living in Waldorf, Alberts has devoted more than two decades to public education, including 16 years in D.C. Public Schools. He holds a bachelor’s in music education (BMusEd) from Howard University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education.
During the surprise announcement, Alberts shared later on social media that he had been led to believe the event was a student performance.
“Turns out the performance was all a set up! Blessed and humbled. FYI the kids still performed! Called for 2 encores!”
Alberts is a four-time Grammy Music Educator Award nominee, known for blending classical and digital instruction to inspire students to think critically, collaborate and lead. At School Without Walls, he oversees a vibrant performing arts program that has become a creative cornerstone for the school community.
Reflecting on the recognition, Alberts shared his gratitude in a post this week:
“I’m still taking it all in—being named the 2026 DC Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor that I’ll carry with deep gratitude. Teaching has always been about community, connection and purpose, and I’m blessed to be surrounded by so many people who remind me of that daily.”
As D.C.’s Teacher of the Year, Alberts will represent the District in the Council of Chief State School Officers National Teacher of the Year program and advocate for students and arts education on a national stage.
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