The votes are in and our Arlington’s Finest: Teacher Edition is Laura Doherty! While over ten teachers were nominated, Laura received the most nominations. If you voted, thank you for sharing your appreciation for your favorite teachers!
Laura is a teacher at Hardy Elementary School. This upcoming year will be her 29th year working in Arlington! Laura became a teacher to make a lasting impact during one of the most formative years in a child’s life. In third grade, students begin to see themselves as independent learners, and Laura wants to be the teacher who helps them build confidence, discover their strengths, and feel inspired to reach their potential—not just in the classroom, but beyond it. This upcoming school year, Laura is moving from third grade to fourth grade and is excited to keep the same students she taught last year.
Tracy Wallace’s daughter was even a student of Mrs. Doherty’s! She has been a pillar in the Arlington community for a long time so it’s no wonder why so many students and parents nominated her for this award. We are lucky to know her, and get to be her neighbor! But don’t just take our word for it, take theirs!
“Mrs. Doherty is a third grade teacher at Hardy Elementary and has been teaching there for many years and my son benefited so much from having her as a teacher last year. He had a rough first year at Hardy, but during his second year under Mrs. Doherty's care, he has bloomed into a happy, confident kid. Mrs. Doherty has been teaching for quite a long time and uses her experience to work with kids, but is always looking to improve and learn more about kids and especially neuro-diversity.” — Becky G.
“Mrs. Doherty was my daughter’s 3rd grade teacher at the Hardy School, and we had a wonderful experience. At the time, the 3rd grade classroom was uniquely structured with two teachers alternating days, and it worked out beautifully. Mrs. Doherty stood out as a fantastic educator—she was kind, patient, energetic, and well-informed. She connected well with the students and was genuinely well-liked. Our positive impression of her has only grown over time. ” – Tracy Wallace
If you know someone who deserves a spotlight, nominate them here.
Laura Doherty with her family.
