Swanson Middle School Teacher Named Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow

Arlington Public Schools proudly congratulates Swanson Middle School science teacher Daniel Bernhardt on being selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow and appointed Teacher in Residence at the Library of Congress for the 2026–27 school year.

Administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship recognizes exceptional STEM educators from across the nation and provides opportunities to support science education through federal agencies and institutions.

Throughout his career at Swanson Middle School, Bernhardt has helped build a nationally recognized student research program that encourages students to explore authentic scientific inquiry. His students have advanced to regional, state, national and international competitions, including the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

That success continues this year. Nine Swanson students advanced to the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, including eighth grader Laura Saperstein. Her older sister, Margaret Saperstein, a Swanson alumna and current Washington-Liberty High School student, represented APS at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair this past spring, where she earned top international honors in chemistry.

The fellowship also highlights the strength of Arlington Public Schools’ science education program and the collaborative work of teachers, school leaders and district science staff who support students from middle school through high school research opportunities.

“Daniel’s selection reflects not only his exceptional teaching, but also Arlington Public Schools’ commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore science, research and innovation,” said Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán. “His work has inspired students to pursue ambitious goals, and we are excited to see how this fellowship will create even more opportunities for our students, educators and community through his partnership with the Library of Congress.”

Bernhardt will remain an APS employee while completing the fellowship during an approved year-long educational leave of absence. He will continue to live in Arlington and plans to connect APS students, teachers and families with educational resources at the Library of Congress through classroom collaborations, workshops and student learning experiences.

Connect with Daniel on social:

• Linkedin – Daniel Bernhardt
• Facebook – Dan Bernhardt
• Instagram – DanExploresTheWorld
• Bluesky – LearnWithBern
• X/Twitter – LearnWithBern