LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jazzmyne Townsend was nominated anonymously.

For over 16 years, Ms. Townsend has been a beacon of innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication in Washington, D.C.’s education community. Her career, rooted in equity and academic excellence, exemplifies the transformative power of a committed educator. Her teaching journey began with a shift from her initial plans to pursue business. She discovered her passion for education and committed herself to empowering urban students through meaningful and inclusive learning experiences. Armed with degrees from Howard University and the American College of Education, Ms. Townsend continues to expand her expertise while pursuing a doctoral degree, underscoring her commitment to lifelong learning.

As a second and third-grade special education teacher at Stanton Elementary School, Ms. Townsend cultivated a classroom atmosphere of rigor, joy, and inclusivity. She fostered academic success and a sense of belonging for her students using culturally responsive and research-based teaching methods. Now serving as a K-5 English Language Arts Instructional Coach at Stanton, Ms. Townsend has amplified her impact by mentoring new teachers, leading professional development initiatives, and spearheading school-wide projects that enrich students and educators. Her dedication extends beyond academics.

While teaching at Randle Highlands Elementary, she founded “My Sister’s Keeper,” a program to support young girls facing personal and academic challenges. This initiative provided a safe space for participants to form connections, develop resilience, and grow into confident young women. Her leadership at Stanton has also fostered community engagement through events like “Loads for Literacy,” connecting students’ education to real-world experiences.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She was named the 2025 D.C. Teacher of the Year, an honor recognizing her ability to accelerate student growth, lead beyond the classroom, and champion the teaching profession. Her influence resonates through glowing endorsements from colleagues and administrators, who highlight her ability to connect with students personally, tailor support to their unique needs, and inspire confidence in their potential. Her philosophy reflects her deep understanding of the systemic challenges her students face. In her own words, “Equity is more than a buzzword... We must strive toward equity in our daily actions, habits, policies, decisions, and student interactions.” This commitment drives her work, shaping the minds and futures of the young learners she serves.

As an educator, mentor, and leader, Ms. Townsend is a true LifeChanger. Her enduring contributions to education and her community exemplify the profound difference one dedicated teacher can make.