Alexandria City High School (ACHS) English teacher Eva Irwin is a natural instructional leader. Her intentionality, positivity, enthusiasm, and solutions-oriented approach help her meet the individual needs of students both in her classroom and throughout the school.
In class, Irwin fully immerses students by tying lessons to real-world examples, differentiating instruction to accommodate learning styles and abilities, and continuously interacting with students and soliciting their feedback. Student data informs her decision-making and course of strategy toward mastery of content. In only her first year (2022-23) at ACHS, her impact contributed to notable student achievement growth in English and writing. Seventy-five percent of students passed the state English exam and 82% passed the state writing exam, both up from 68% in 2021-22 and above state and district rates.
Irwin’s commitment to the school community in such a short time has been extraordinary. She thrives on advancing instructional practices, whether it is through leading professional development or volunteering to write new curriculum. Irwin also serves as the substitute assistant principal, the grade 11 English team professional learning community (PLC) lead, the English department’s representative on the Staff Advisory Council, a member of the school’s Culture and Climate Committee, and chair of an advisory committee working to oversee and improve the school’s fourth period block geared towards targeted, needs-based instruction. Students and peers can regularly find her at school events, dedicating her time to after-school functions, and even assisting with cafeteria duty. Her leadership also extends to the court. As an assistant coach, Irwin helped lead the varsity volleyball team to a state championship in 2022 and serves as the head coach for the junior varsity team.
Irwin uses a variety of tools at her disposal to better support and strengthen relationships with all students and their families. She uses platforms like Parent Square, which offers in-platform translation services for families who are not English-proficient; phone and text applications; and Pear Deck, a presentation tool that allows students to provide her with instant feedback during lessons. Her innovative approach and understanding of students’ unique needs have helped her build trust within her classroom.
Irwin completed her Bachelor of Arts in child development and education at Washington and Jefferson College in 2014 and earned a Master of Arts in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech in 2021.
Press release: Lowell Milken Surprises Alexandria Teacher with $25,000 Milken Educator Award
