As a founding faculty member at D.C. Prep in Washington, D.C., MaryKate Hughes has not only fostered dramatic academic improvements among her students, but has helped her colleagues raise achievement levels among their students as well. Mrs. Hughes regularly fostered two years of growth in one academic year when she taught fifth and sixth grade math from 2001-2007. Mrs. Hughes led her eighth grade students to 100% proficient or advanced in the 2009- 2010 school year, and this past year, D.C. Prep's state test scores in math were the best in the city; 100% of 8th graders scored proficient or advanced in math again. Using a student-centered, hands-on, inquiry- based approach in the classroom, Mrs. Hughes limits direct instruction, often preferring to have students work in cooperative groups, guiding them as they solve problems and develop evidence-based solutions to apply newly taught math skills. As chair of the math department, Mrs. Hughes helps fellow team members analyze student data and use their analysis to guide instruction. She also coaches individual teachers and regularly leads professional development sessions for colleagues on everything from curriculum development to the use of technology. MaryKate serves as an Adjunct Professor at American University and has presented at numerous local and national conferences on math education, teacher evaluation and instructional techniques. She served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for DC Prep's growing network from 2010-2017. Recently, she has been developing curriculum, professional development modules, and leadership competency frameworks as an independent consultant. This fall, she is returning to full-time teaching in her new home state of Virginia, as a 5th grade teacher in the City of Falls Church Public Schools.
