Washington, DC — Alex Diasgranados, a teacher at Aiton Elementary School in Washington, DC, was surprised on The Drew Barrymore Show with the prestigious National University 2021 Teacher of the Year honor along with a $50,000 check.
Since 2015, Diasgranados has been teaching students and making close connections with them.
“They just inspire me and keep me going every single day,” Alex, who currently teaches 4th and 5th grade English and social studies, said about his students, according to ABC7 WJLA .
Just last year, he won the $10,000 Sanford Teacher Award. He was also named DC’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, which comes with a cash prize of $7,500.
During his appearance on the show, Alex shared his advocacy to provide better digital access to students, especially during the pandemic. He turned emotional when Barrymore surprised him with 265 laptop computers for teachers and students at his school.
Most recently, he was again on national TV as a surprise announcement was made by Dr. Michael Cunningham, Chancellor of the National University System, on The Drew Barrymore Show that he was selected as the National University 2021 Teacher of the Year.
Alejandro will also receive a check for $50,000 and is eligible for a full scholarship for a Master’s Degree Program in Social and Emotional Learning from National University or a doctoral degree in Education from all universities in the National University system.
“It has not sunk in at all. I mean, I have never even seen a number that big. It’s incredible!” he said.
Follow Alex on Instagram at @ThatDCTeacher