The District School is building a dedicated, thoughtful, passionate group of educators committed to providing a vibrant and excellent Christ-centered education in a diverse community.
The District School believes in the enormous influence of teachers. They are not merely highly qualified educators but also mature, growing, and passionate followers of Christ who devote themselves to forming and educating students. Aligned with our vision, District School staff will cultivate
a student’s mind through engaging and rich learning experiences
a student’s faith by connecting learning to God's Story and pointing children to the Gospel
a student’s heart by modeling character and explicitly teaching habits, as well as providing opportunities to practice God’s story of redemption in real-time
Meet the Team
The District School Staff
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Jacqueline Pratt-Tuke
Executive Director
“I am most excited about students connecting their learning to God's Story and having opportunities to practice living His Story in DC.”
As an educator, nonprofit leader, and now as a school founder, Jacquie is committed to educational equity and ensuring all children have access to a high-quality education. Jacquie began her career in education as a 2007 TFA corps member and has taught in middle and high schools for over a decade. She spent five years at the Flamboyan Foundation, a DC-based nonprofit focused on developing educators’ capacity to partner with families. At Flamboyan, Jacquie designed a school-wide approach to building partnerships between educators and families and coached leadership teams in 12 secondary schools to embed and sustain effective family engagement practices.
Jacquie earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2020 and served on the leadership team at High Tech High Mesa, a project-based learning school in San Diego. During her two years at High Tech High Mesa, Jacquie coached teachers, led the school's professional development, designed the advisory curriculum, and conducted a two-year study on how students define authenticity in learning. Jacquie is passionate about centering student voices, rigorous learning experiences that engage students and equip them for the future, and adult professional development.
Jacquie and her family are deeply rooted in the Capitol Hill community. She has been a member of Grace Downtown since 2008, serves as a deaconess at the church, and hosts a weekly community group. She loves coffee and her three energetic boys, ages 6, 4, and 1. Jacquie enjoys exploring the outdoors, hiking, camping, and kayaking.
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Racquel Waltower
PreK Teacher
“I believe in guiding each child not only academically, but also emotionally and spiritually, helping them grow into the unique individuals God created them to be.”
Racquel is a proud Washington, D.C. native and a 2017 graduate of Delaware State University, where she earned a degree in Education and Psychology.
She began her journey in education as a preschool assistant teacher in 2015 at a private school and went on to teach kindergarten with DC Public Schools starting in 2017.
For Racquel, teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling. She is deeply passionate about creating nurturing, purposeful learning environments where children feel seen, valued, and empowered. She believes in guiding each child not only academically, but also emotionally and spiritually, helping them grow into the unique individuals God created them to be. One of the greatest joys of her work is watching young children discover their strengths and build confidence.
Outside the classroom, Racquel cherishes time with her son, enjoys Bible study, and loves traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.
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Carla Temenak
Kindergarten Teacher
“At The District School, I am excited to ignite kindergarteners’ love of learning and their love of Jesus.”
Carla began her career in education teaching first and second grades in California and Maryland. After taking a break to care for her own young children, she returned to teaching preschool at a community nursery school ten years ago. She has always been involved in Christian education at her church as well. The opportunity to be a part of a school community that shares a love of learning and a love of Jesus is what excites her most about working at The District School.
Carla has a B.S. in Child and Family Development and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.
She and her husband, Joe have lived in the DMV, raising their five children over the last 26 years. Carla loves traveling, gardening and walks and hikes with her favorite chocolate Labrador, Grizzly.
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Yolanda Johnson
First Grade Teacher
“I am excited to walk alongside learners as they grow both academically and spiritually.”
Originally from Glenside, Pennsylvania, Yolanda moved to Washington, DC to serve at a local church and eventually marry her then-fiancé, Marlon. Her passion for working with children began while volunteering with an educational program, which inspired her to pursue a career in teaching.
Yolanda holds a Master of Education in Elementary Education and Moderate Disabilities from Lesley University in Boston, as well as a Master of Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary.
Yolanda has taught in DC charter schools and, for the past four years, has served as a teacher at Capitol Hill Learning Group, a Christ-centered homeschool hybrid program. As an educator, Yolanda loves building meaningful connections with students, teaching them about the love of God, and walking alongside them as they grow both academically and spiritually.
She is the proud mother of four children who attend both public and private schools in DC. In her free time, Yolanda enjoys reading, hiking, exploring art museums with her husband. She and her family are members at Kingdom Fellowship AME.
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Kayla Yirdaw
Second Grade Teacher
“I am overjoyed to work at the District School where we can develop curiosity and a love for Jesus in students who tangibly live out Gospel truths that usher in God's Kingdom now.”
Kayla was born and raised in Delaware, then moved to the D.C. Metro area for her undergraduate studies. Kayla has a B.A. in Sociology and Communication from George Mason University and an M.A. in Elementary Education from Marymount University. She and her husband, Eyasu, have called Iowa home for the past three years but are thrilled to be back in the nation's capital.
Kayla spent two years teaching second grade at Faith Academy in Iowa City. Her favorite part of teaching was watching her scholars develop more deeply into the people God has made them. She loves watching children grow in their love for Jesus and subsequently, their love for those around them. You can often find Kayla and her class laughing, singing during math, and dancing during Bible.
Kayla loves singing, dancing, playing board games, reading, drinking copious amounts of tea, and indulging her sweet tooth.
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Leslie King
Third Grade Teacher
“I am thrilled to join The District School, where I believe every child is called by Jesus to let their light shine—and I am here to encourage them to do just that.”
A proud native Washingtonian, Leslie brings with her years of experience nurturing young minds, including over a decade at a private preschool in Potomac, MD, and five years with DC Public Schools.
Leslie holds a B.A. in Education from the University of the District of Columbia and will soon begin pursuing her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Literacy in Reading at Trinity Washington University. She is passionate about cultivating a love of learning and literacy in the classroom and is committed to continuing her own growth as an educator.
At home in D.C., Leslie and her husband Aris have raised four wonderfully loud and lively children, though the house is beginning to quiet as their children spread their wings. In her free time, she enjoys long walks, downtown adventures with her husband, music, crochet, and working through a steady stack of good books.
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Alyssa Zak
Academic Interventionist
“I love working in a school that prioritizes the whole child.”
Alyssa graduated with a B.A. in Politics from Colorado Christian University and is working on an M.Ed. in Teaching at American University.
While living in Colorado, Alyssa volunteered with elementary students through her church and at local elementary schools. After moving to DC, she worked as an AmeriCorps Literacy Lab tutor, offering Tier 2 and 3 literacy support to early elementary school students. She then joined DC's City Teaching Alliance, a teacher prep program that supports educators to teach in historically underserved urban classrooms, and completed her student teaching this year.
Alyssa enjoys spending time with her friends, playing volleyball, and going on walks. She is passionate about education and the opportunity to support a holistic approach to student learning and development.
We are Hiring
The District School is growing! As the first step in the application process, please complete the Employment Application.
Please email Jacqueline Pratt-Tuke with questions.
2025/2026 Openings:
Our Hiring Process
Submit an Employment Application Online
Application Review
Zoom Interview
Performance Task + In-person Second Interview
Final Selection: Reference Checks and Offers Made
The District School Governance Board
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Keith White
Market Service Manager of DC branch of Johnson Controls, Inc.
“I love the fact that the school is being founded to offer a high caliber education and provide families a safe space to grow their faith with a diverse group of people.”
Keith White is a native Washingtonian and a proud graduate of Paul Lawrence Dunbar HS in Washington, D.C. He currently serves as the Market Service Manager of the D.C. branch of Johnson Controls, Inc., managing a workforce of over 100 managers, engineers, technicians, mechanics, and administrators. His team maintains the building environment systems of commercial, government, and mission-critical buildings across the D.C. Metropolitan area. He has held various roles in this industry over his 25+ year career.
Keith has been blessed to have had many mentors who instilled a commitment to service to his community. Keith demonstrated this commitment as a high school track and field coach for 11 years, which included tutoring and mentoring a number of students and helping them access opportunities to help them grow academically and personally. Keith utilized his knowledge of industry and government to support successful school improvement projects at Shepherd Elementary School and Whittier Education Campus while serving on their respective PTAs, School Improvement Teams, and Local School Advisory Teams. Keith was also a founding member of the community cabinet, which was charged with helping establish a vision for the Ron Brown Preparatory High School.
Currently, Keith serves on the advisory committee for Montgomery Community College’s HVAC program and regularly speaks at their seminars, where they present careers in the HVAC industry and the paths to get there. He also serves on the industry advisory council of Lincoln Technical Institute for HVAC.
Keith holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master’s of Science in Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Keith lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and three children. He is currently a member of Christ Our Shepherd Church, where he serves on the Diaconate.
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Chrissy Weeks
Executive Director of DC127
"I'm thrilled that The District School will provide a quality education focused on the learner while weaving the love of Christ into every facet of the classroom."
Chrissy Weeks is a Partner Strategist with Auxilio Partners, which provides outsourced business expertise to churches and nonprofits. After obtaining her degree in theater from Collin College, Chrissy began working as a program coordinator with Serge (formerly World Harvest Mission), where she developed cross-cultural curriculum, discipleship materials, and maintained finance and
operations for her team in Dublin, Ireland. Shortly thereafter, she moved to St. Louis, MO, to attend Covenant Theological Seminary with her husband.
Having worked for Apple for a number of years during and after seminary, Chrissy had her sights set on returning to the nonprofit sector. She and her family moved to DC in 2017, where she began working for a local nonprofit, DC127. In her role, Chrissy built a church mobilization program designed to equip the church for wrap-around services to families in crisis and those participating in foster care.
While Chrissy was mostly educated in public school, she did attend a Christian school during her early elementary years. There, she experienced teachers who intentionally focused on the learner and wove the hope and beauty of Christ into all facets of the classroom. She is delighted to help establish TDS as it seeks to do the same in DC.
Chrissy is deeply rooted in the Manor Park neighborhood of DC, where she lives with her husband, two children, and dog, Clara. She is a member of Grace DC, where she leads worship on Sundays, teaches children, and is part of her community group. Chrissy loves live theater and music, especially outdoors. She and her family enjoy participating in and hosting a good party, cooking, dancing, and exploring libraries.
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Jordana DeLeon
Global Health Professional
“I am excited that The District School will be a venue for kids to grow in their faith while obtaining an excellent education in Washington, DC.”
Jordana De Leon is a long-time resident of Washington, DC. Originally from Manila, Philippines, she moved to the U.S. in her teens. She obtained her Master's in Public Health from the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services and her Executive Certificate in Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania School of Policy and Practice. She works as a global health/international development professional focusing on HIV/AIDS among youth for the U.S. Government and has lived and worked on various health programs in Africa (Tanzania, Nigeria) and Asia (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia).
Jordana believes in the importance of having access to an excellent education for everyone everywhere and is excited to support the mission and vision of the District School.
Jordana lives in the Capitol Hill area and loves her community. She has been a member of Grace Downtown since 2005 and has served on the music team and as a deaconess. She loves to sing, travel and explore new places, and spend time with family and friends.
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Kate Westlund
Foreign Affairs Analyst
“I am deeply committed to a school community with a vision of contributing to community renewal.”
As a career foreign affairs analyst, Kate has held several positions at the Department of Defense, serving in senior analytic and policy roles to advise national military and executive decision-makers on U.S. defense and multinational initiatives. Having had the opportunity to pursue broad training in leadership, project management, and executive communication throughout her career, she has enjoyed applying her years of government experience to lead efforts at church and in the community.
Kate relocated to Washington, DC in 2008 from her home state of Georgia. In DC, she met and married her husband, and they settled in the diverse Brookland neighborhood in northeast DC to help launch a cross-cultural church. She began dreaming of the possibility of a new kind of school for all the kids of the city in 2018, inspired by the transforming work she witnessed at other schools in the U.S.
Kate earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from the University of Georgia in 2005. She received a Master’s in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 2007, and received a certificate in Arabic from the Language Institute of Fez in Morocco, and in French from the Diplomatic Language Service.
Kate and her husband have three wonderful children and an old house that takes up most of their time and energy. In her free time, Kate loves to work in her garden.oes here
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Michael Thompson
Pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church
“I believe in the transformative power of education and the life-changing power of God. I am thrilled to be part of a school that shapes both the hearts and minds of its students.”
Reverend Thompson, who likes to be referred to as Pastor Mike, has been an active member of Bethesda Baptist Church since he was a young child. He distinctly remembers, during a Baptist Training Union class, accepting Jesus at the tender age of 7 years old.
Pastor Mike has developed youth ministry programs for over a decade at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Nashville and at his home church, Bethesda Baptist Church. In this role, he established parent and adult-led Youth Advisory Councils and organized activities and experiences for youth, inclusive of life education workshops, recreational activities, spiritual retreats, and summer volunteer and job opportunities.
Pastor Mike is now the head Pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church. He is profoundly serious about the gospel of Christ and his life verse is “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.
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Cecil Isaac
CEO of Spoken in Music Entertainment
“I believe in the mission and the excellent education students receive at The District School.”
Cecil is a musician and founding member of two bands: Spoken in Music, a fusion band comprised of jazz, R&B, neo soul and funk grooves; and his Straight No Chaser Band, which preforms classic jazz by legends like Miles Davis and the like.
Cecil is an entrepreneur and local businessman in the DMV area. Alongside producing his own music, he serves as the CEO of S.I.M. Entertainment LLC, a company that supplies live musicians for social gatherings and corporate events. Additionally, he founded and leads CJI Pest Management, a black-owned, highly reputable business in the DMV.