The Society for Classical Studies is pleased to honor Andrea Weiskopf with the 2016 Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Precollegiate Level. Ms. Weiskopf has been teaching Latin at the River Bend and Seneca Ridge Middle Schools in Loudoun County, VA since 2007. Her rigorous curriculum includes not only a comprehensive overview of Latin grammar but also a broad appreciation of Roman culture and its impact on the modern world. In fact, she has adapted the Latin courses at her middle schools so that students in her classes receive high school credit for their study of Latin. Students in her programs perform well, year after year, on the National Latin Exam, the Medusa Mythology Exam, the National Mythology Exam, and the Classical Association of Virginia Tournament, and the Virginia Junior Classical League tests and contests. In addition, they enjoy movie nights, trips to local museums, a glorious Roman banquet, and homework videos famed for the excitement they elicit.
Most impressive were the letters from alumni and colleagues testifying to the love of Latin, and of learning in general, that Ms. Weiskopf inspires in her students. As one nominator wrote, “As both a parent and educator, I appreciate the intangible qualities that Andrea brings to the classroom. She challenges her students to succeed, instills an essential work ethic in them, and celebrates their successes with them and their families. The fact that she still keeps in touch with her former students and knows what they are up to years after they have left her speaks volumes about her caring nature and her lasting impact on them.” Ms. Weiskopf also exhibits that generous spirit through numerous professional development activities. She is a renowned creator of certamen questions, a frequent presenter at local classics meetings, and an active and valued member of the Virginia community of Latin teachers.
And so, we honor Andrea Weiskopf for her leadership in teaching Latin at the middle school level as well as her continued devotion to the next generation of Latin learners.
Joint Committee on Classics in American Education Subcommittee
Mary English
Kathy Elifrits
Kelly Kusch
Keely Lake