By Rabita Aziz (May 8, 2005)

Band director Mary Jo Webster was awarded the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award on Tuesday April 12, by The Washington Post. This award is presented to those teachers who are nominated by fellow staff members and students, and must fulfill the nomination criteria, which includes instilling in students a desire to learn and achieve, understanding the individual needs of students, encouraging their talents and fostering their self-esteem, to name just a few.

According to dozens of fellow teachers, students, and members of the community, Ms. Webster has filled those criteria above and beyond over her 20 years of being involved in teaching music, eight here in Falls Church.

Currently a band teacher for the entire high school, including the IB Music classes, the middle school, and the fifth grade at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Webster has had an impressive background in music. Before coming to the Falls Church City School System, she had worked in California, Tokyo, and the University of Wisconsin, where she also went to college. Under Webster’s direction, the Mason band students have won many awards, such as earning superior ratings at the regional District 10 band competitions. Over 25 students, teachers, administrators, and parents wrote letters of recommendation for Webster’s nomination to The Washington Post. Principal Bob Snee explained how much he thought Ms. Webster has been a positive influence for George Mason by writing, "Countless events would be nothing more than bland assemblies were it not for her efforts and those of the students she so ably teaches. Ms. Webster has been a very positive role model and influence on hundreds of musicians in our schools over her eight years in the band room."

Music teacher Mary Jo Webster was accompanied by her parents Mary Ann and Kenneth Feld at the  Washington Post reception honoring her as the  Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year from Falls Church.  Photo by Brian Dickson)

According to visual arts teacher Maria Shields, "Because of Mary Jo’s fine teaching and care of our students, I have seen the Music Department grow, thrive, and prosper. When we have assemblies, I always look forward to Mary Jo and the band welcoming us in with a rip-roaring, beating, pulsing and energetic prelude. Everyone enjoys music; when Mary Jo and the kids play, I feel the music."

"Ms. Webster approaches music as an essential of life, just like air or water," said parent Molly Deleon. Senior and IB Music student Fran Thielman expressed her opinion on how hardworking her teacher is with, "She designs her own workbooks for students to use outside of the text, complete with music scores, lecture notes, and questions….She has a sense of humor and a naturally optimistic disposition."

According to the dozens of recommendations The Washington Post received, Webster has exhibited qualities of an outstanding teacher, and has gone above and beyond that which is required of a teacher.