Photo by apium.

Shira Fishman, a math teacher at McKinley Technology High School, has been named District of Columbia Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Fishman changed careers eight years ago to become a math teacher after working as a mechanical engineer.

“I was working 40-plus hours a week and coaching basketball after work at my local high school,” Fishman said. “Eventually, I realized that I got more joy out of my two hours of coaching than during the 40-plus hours I spent working in the engineering field.”

Fishman will receive her award Monday, September 19, during A Standing Ovation for DC Teachers at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.