1. 1 2009 South Carolina Teacher Forum Winter Workshop February 11-13, 2009

2. 2 Adrienne Padner Abbeville

3. 3 Aiken “Mrs. Pappas is an educator who is more than a disseminator of information. She assists her students in the acquisition of knowledge and skills as well as personal growth and maturity. Her creativity and resourcefulness enriches her ability to work with others in a cooperative teaching environment. Given her ability to inspire, encourage, and motivate our students to achieve to the best of their abilities, she is been an asset to Paul Knox Middle School.” Brenda Smith, Principal, Paul Know Middle School Gaye Pappas

4. Allendale “Rose is a wonderful teacher. She is a special needs teacher. She makes each child feel unique and they love to go to her room. She greets them with a smile and calls them by name. You can tell that is great admiration from her students. If you could say one thing about Mrs. Boykin "she loves her students before she teaches them." Sonja Dunbar, Principal Allendale-Fairfax High School Rose White Boykin

5. 5 Anderson 1 “Dr. Whisenhunt loves his students and also loves the content that he uncovers every day. His enthusiasm for teaching and the joy he receives from student learning is exceptional. He works tirelessly to ensure that his students grasp very complex material constantly entertaining groups of students who come before and after school for extra help and deeper understanding. He is constantly pushing students to grasp deeper and fuller understandings of the world of science using a variety of methods and techniques to accomplish this task.” G. Robert Binnicker, Principal, Wren High School James Whisenhunt

6. 6 Anderson 2 “Lorena has a wonderful rapport with all students. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching reading are both truly superior. It is not uncommon for Lorena to become teary-eyed as she shares success stories of her students’ accomplishments. She believes in each student who enters her classroom by planting the seeds of knowledge and high expectations, nurturing her students until they blossom into readers. Teaching is not a vocation for Lorena; it is a passion.” Adrienne Davenport, Principal, Belton Elementary School Lorena Newton

7. 7 Anderson 3 “Mrs. Craft is patient and understanding with her students. Her classes are always involved in many activities, which make learning fun and meaningful. She spends a great amount of time planning quality hands on activities for her students. She has shown the ability to work with students at all levels and needs. Student achievement in her classroom is commendable and all students experience success while under her guidance. She is a great teacher and role model for the students she serves.” Eric Hughes, Principal Iva Elementary School Shawn Craft

8. Anderson 4 “Mrs. Hawkins is very innovative, organized and readily accepts a challenge. She has the passion and drive to ensure success in all of her students. She truly, "Leaves no child behind", as demonstrated by Mrs. Hawkins' student's love for her and their standardized test scores. She is a model for professional behavior and always does the little things that distinguish the good teachers from the great ones.” Kevin Black, EdD, Principal Riverside Middle School Wendy Hawkins

9. 9 Anderson 5 “Anne Harder is one of Hanna's master teachers. She possesses that unique combination of qualities that allows her to meet the needs of a wide range of student abilities. She teaches everything from our highest level --- a college level Advanced Placement English class – to a class with students who have scored below standard on state testing. She is also securing the teaching profession by teaching our Teacher Cadet class. The results are phenomenal.” Sheila Hilton, Principal, T.L. Hanna High School Anne Harder

10. Bamberg 2 “Our teacher of the year is a wonderful person. She is warm, funny, and very considerate. She is a teacher that stays late to prepare her class for the following day. She puts forth a great effort to complete any task that is given to her. Mrs. Caldwell cares about her students and tries very hard to make sure they learn. I am very proud to have her on my staff.” Tonya D. Thomas, Assistant Principal Denmark-Olar Elementary School Betty Caldwell

11. 11 Barnwell 19 “Mrs. Holiday is not content to merely maintain the status quo as far as teaching methods is concerned and constantly strives to find and implement new and better ways of communicating the wonders of science and social studies. She is committed to the fundamental belief that every student with whom she comes in contact has an innate value and great potential. Her students, co- workers and supervisors can all testify to her strong commitment to the betterment of her students and of the community in general.” Karen Johnson Macedonia Elementary Sybrenda Holiday

12. 12 Barnwell 45 “Mrs. Briggs is a teacher who inspires student achievement through the use of technology. She demonstrates to all students respect and compassion and sets the teaching bar at a height that only master teachers attain. She shares her knowledge of math with all students regardless of their academic level and demonstrates concern and communication with all stakeholders in education.” Dr. John A. Bass, Principal Guinyard Butler Middle School Tammy Briggs

13. 13 Beaufort “Mr. Mike Allen is a focused, dedicated teacher. He is excellent at developing a common vision among his students and helping them realize their vision. Mr. Allen works tirelessly helping students master the skills necessary to be successful in his robotics classes. He empowers them to utilize their new found understandings and skills to create new learning beyond the classroom. Mike Allen develops life-long learners.” Daniel H. Durbin, Ed.D, Principal Beaufort High School Mike Allen

14. 14 Berkeley “Harold is the most altruistic gentleman with whom I have had the pleasure of working. He supports his Moderate to Severe Disability students daily during the school year and at a camp that he hosts during the summers. Harold goes above and beyond to assist his fellow teachers in blossoming into educational leaders and advocates as he works with them to become Highly Qualified, contributes to our school leadership team, and leads the Teacher Forum for our district.” Dr. Kim McLaren, Principal Berkeley High School Harold Tabor

15. Calhoun Anita Fersner

16. 16 Charleston “Whether Ms. Benton is contributing from the English-Language Arts department on our Academic Leadership Team, teaching reading, or facilitating a reading professional development session, she carries out each duty exceptionally and enthusiastically. As a woman of integrity and good old fashioned values, Ms. Benton connects and works with the faculty and staff to move Morningside students to a high level of academic performance. Excellence is her standard.” Kala T. Goodwine, Principal Morningside Middle School Gwendolyn Benton

17. Cherokee “If I could create the ideal school, Syreeta Greene would be my model for all teachers. She exemplifies compassion tempered with high expectations, creativity balanced by standards, and professionalism infused with great warmth. She is a magnet for students needing help and guidance and an inspiration for us all.” Marlene Davis, Principal, Gaffney Senior High School Syreeta Greene

18. 18 Chester “Tonya is a leader among her peers. She is enthusiastically helpful to her colleagues, particularly when it comes to technology. She persistently maintains a positive attitude and will seek out any data or methods necessary to help her students succeed. She also has a wonderful sense of humor andhas a close relationship with her family of fellow second grade teachers.” Jerry Digh, Principal, Great Falls Elementary School Tonya Weir

19. 19 Chesterfield “Mrs. Atkinson is a dynamic teacher who puts her whole heart into her craft. She loves her students, and they love her because they know she cares for them. Her patience and sincerity are apparent as she works to create an environment that simulates and nurtures young learners. She challenges them and encourages them to take risks, and they thrive under her careful guidance and tutelage. She truly possesses the “art” of teaching.” Scott Eddins, Principal, Cheraw Intermediate School Polly Atkinson

20. Clarendon 1 “Cindy is an outstanding teacher. She is very passionate about teaching and particularly working with students who have learning disabilities. Her success rate with students attaining standard on the HSAP Exit Examination has been phenomenal. We are confident that she would also be an excellent example of the outstanding teachers in South Carolina.” Bernard McDaniel, Principal Scott’s Branch High School Cindy Brunson

21. 21 Clarendon 2 “Mrs. Hardy has faith that all special needs children can and will learn. She has a heart filled with determination to do what is right for the children in our school. She is an inspiring educator that believes in the profession and in ‘thinking out of the box’ to plan educational programs to meet the needs of all children no matter the disability. To her ‘special’ is defined as extraordinary!” Betty Harrington, Principal Manning Early Childhood Center Roxanne Hardy

22. Clarendon 3 "Mrs. Morgan is one of those rare individuals who has the ability to connect with everyone especially children. She builds a sense of community in the classroom where students care not only about learning but also about each other. She sets high standards for herself and her students and works hard to make sure these standards are reached. Colleagues seek her advice, parents depend on her guidance and the administration holds her in high esteem." Cathie Hartzog. Principal, Gallman Elementary School Mandi Morgan

23. Colleton “Renee believes that our children are like mirrors—they reflect our attitudes in life. It is while observing Renee interacts with her students that you get an idea of just how much she loves her students and understands how her behavior influences these little lives. Her class management, planning, caring, understanding of the standards, high expectations, and dedication to teaching these children makes her a role model for all teachers at all grade levels. She spends countless hours preparing to make her classroom a place where students want to achieve and learn.” Karl Naugle, Principal, Cottageville Elementary School Shelley R. Boyles

24. 24 Darlington "When I think of her as an instructor, I really see her as an artisan. Whether she is a sculptor, a painter, a potter, a composer, or an architect depends on which day it is, which lesson she's teaching, and which of her precious students she's working with. Her craftsmanship is always of high quality and beyond what most aspire to do. She consistently makes and molds serious, competitive students out of students who enter her classroom with deficits, fears, and disadvantages. In my estimation, she is among the best teachers I have every had the opportunity to work alongside." Kim Mason, Principal Rosenwald Elementary/Middle School Amber Hutchins

25. 25 Dillon 1 Wesley Revels

26. 26 Dillon 2 “I am so very proud of Celeste! She is not only a fabulous teacher, she is a fabulous person. Her positive attitude sets the stage for her success as a teacher, friend, and colleague. She is an asset to our school and community! We love her!” Bobbie Walters, Principal, East Elementary School Celeste Gough

27. 27 Dillon 3 “Mrs. Berry has natural leadership abilities. Teachers respect her and value her instructional insights. She sets her standards high for herself, her students, and teachers that she works with. Seldom does one find an instructor who is a natural teacher with leadership qualities as well. She is creative in planning her technology meetings for the staff development and is always on call when needed.” George Liebenrood, Principal Latta High School Christy Berry

28. 28 Dorchester 2 “Mr. Thompson’s deep understanding of his field, his personal drive and determination, and his shared decision- making approach to teaching make him an excellent teacher. He fosters a strong enthusiasm for learning. Mr. Thompson consistently supports other teachers and creates an efficient, safe, community-oriented environment as a school leader. He is self-motivated and highly respected by the administration, staff, and students of Rollings Middle School of the Arts.” Camilla Pickney Timothy Thompson

29. 29 Dorchester 4 “It is an absolute pleasure to have such a genuine person such as Ms. Gadson in our building. Her personality and ability as a teacher make her such a vital piece to our school and our faculty's success. It is very tough to walk by her classroom without stopping to watch her dynamic lessons and genuine love for her students. Her energy, professionalism and charisma are what set her apart from others. Our school and district are very fortunate to have such a fine educator and person to represent us.” Jeff Beckwith, Principal Williams Memorial Elementary School Valerie Gadson

30. Edgefield Debbie Courtney

31. Fairfield Charlene McMillan

32. 32 Florence 1 “Sandra has an excellent rapport with her students. She shows a sincere interest in them as individuals and is consistently fair in dealing with them. She constantly searches for ways to make her teaching more interesting and effective. Sandra frequently volunteers to help in other aspects of the school. I consider Sandra a very capable and dedicated teacher and an asset to field of education. It is not easy finding teachers with her talent, ambition, and drive. She truly is an amazing person.” Pam Quick, Principal, West Florence High Sandra Welch

33. 33 Florence 2 Lenease Brickers

34. 34 Florence 3 “We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Rosales teaching at Olanta Elementary. Just to be able to sit in her classroom and observe her teaching - is truly a joy! She has a way of making every lesson meaningful and fun, and is able to bring out the best in her students. She is a born teacher who is not only loved by her students but also highly respected by her peers. It is an honor to work with Mrs. Rosales and our students are blessed to have her as their teacher.” Becky Hobbs, Principal Olanta Elementary Amanda Rosales

35. Florence 4 Heath Stokes

36. 36 Florence 5 “Amanda is an outstanding teacher who has a genuine care for the success of her students. She is motivating, inspiring, and helpful to all students that come in contact with her. Johnsonville High School is very proud to have her as teacher and a friend.” Stevie Phillips, Principal Johnsonville High School Amanda McKee

37. 37 Georgetown “When you enter Derenda Marshall's room you need to fasten your seatbelt, Your about to take a ride on the Magic School Bus. Her physical energy sucks the children into the lesson. She was instrumental in McDonald Elementary becoming the first Project Learning Tree Environmental School in South Carolina. The McDonald family is proud to call her one of its own.” Miriam Daniels, Principal, McDonald Elementary School Derenda Marshall

38. 38 Greenville “JoAnn skillfully demonstrates an understanding of the developmental needs of young children, and creates an wonderful atmosphere for learning. She demonstrates an extraordinary ability to identify students who are struggling, as a result of their special needs. JoAnn's teaching exemplifies her knowledge, poise, enthusiasm, and most of all, her passion and commitment to children and their families. I believe that not only is she changing the lives of her students, she is making a profound educational impact in our schools and in Greenville County.” Doris Santanello, Principal Overbrook Child Development Center JoAnn Timberlake

39. 39 Greenwood 50 Greg Rice

40. 40 Greenwood 51 “Mrs. McGrew is a valued member of the Ware Shoals Elementary School faculty. Her positive attitude and love of the students are reflected in the outstanding quality of the program of instruction that she maintains at Ware Shoals. Her enthusiasm, her innovativeness, and her genuine concern for education are exemplary. Her flexibility in working with students, teachers, and the public has earned her an enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who truly cares about people.” Nancy Brown Krystal McGrew

41. 41 Greenwood 52 “Fitz Sprowl is one of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever worked with. He teaches bell-to-bell and creates engaging assignments for his classes. The relationships he builds with students extend past graduation day. As a co-sponsor of the student council, he dedicates a great deal of after-school hours helping this group achieve their goals and objectives. It is my pleasure and honor to work with Fitz Sprowl.” Rex Ward, Principal Ninety Six High School Fitz Sprowl

42. Hampton 1 Gail Stanley

43. Hampton 2 Sherrie Smart

44. 44 Horry “When Jean was named Horry County Teacher of the Year, she brought a tidal wave of hope to the students, staff and parents of a rural, impoverished community. Her cheerful personality and encouraging words embody the lyrics to the song Wind Beneath My Wings as a teacher leader at Loris Middle School. She makes a difference daily in the lives of all of the students she encounters whether in the classroom or in the hallway and she inspires the staff to join her on the walk of excellence. She is the teacher every parent would want for his or her child.” Judy Beard, Principal Loris Middle School Jean Burden

45. 45 Jasper Christina Walker

46. 46 Kershaw “Angie Lawson exudes a personal passion for teaching that lies in her potential to influence children in a positive manner through the performing arts. Ms. Lawson has strengthened ties to the community through numerous after-hours activities such as Tinikling, Boy Scouts, Key Board Lessons, and Honors Chorus. She works tirelessly to make Pine Tree Hill Elementary and the students be the very best they can be. We are truly blessed to have such an outstanding teacher!” Lisa Shannon, PhD, Principal Pine Tree Hill Elementary Angie Lawson

47. 47 Lancaster “Deirdra Chandler's students are fortunate to have an environment which allows them to be comfortable. Some students are in desks, some are working from bean bag chairs and some are sitting on rugs. All are relaxed and engaged in activities. Deirdra respects the differences in children and has an amazingly natural way of meeting their needs. Deirdra does not accept failure and sees a student's failure as her own. She works tirelessly to meet with co-workers to find ways to reach all children. She is truly a leader.” Jane Gaston, Principal, Erwin Elementary Deirdra Chandler

48. 48 Laurens 55 “Deborah embodies the most positive attributes of an educator. She exudes enthusiasm and motivates even the most reluctant learner as she brings literature to life everyday in her classroom. She loves her students and they understand that they are fortunate to have been assigned to her care. She knows that it is more important to develop life-long readers than to dissect literature. She is a model for teachers at Laurens District 55 High School as she works tirelessly to meet the needs of her students while pushing herself to enhance her knowledge of and implement best practice in her classroom.” Wayne McIntosh, Principal Laurens District 55 High School Debbie Simpson

49. Laurens 56 “Mr. Schoolfield is an amazing motivator of students! His students consistently perform at the highest levels on the Algebra End of Course Test and he has had a 100% pass rate for the last 4 years. Although there are many educators that have learned to motivate students, David has had that natural ability since his first year teaching and coaching. He is fortunate to have already seen the ‘big picture.’" Maureen Tiller, Principal, Bell Street Middle School David Schoolfield

50. 50 Lee Sandra Frazier

51. 51 Lexington 1 “Pam is more than our Teacher of the Year – she is a teacher for all seasons. She is serious but teaches and relates to middle schoolers - they want to learn. She makes learning palatable and exciting. Pam Light has made a second “career” out of community service and involvement most effectively. Pam does the extraordinary as a matter of fact. On a mission trip to Nicaragua this fall she created and maintained a website allowing her to interact with her students.” Dr. Nancy L. Turner, Principal, White Knoll Middle School Pamela Light

52. 52 Lexington 2 Shannon Cornelius

53. 53 Lexington 3 “Betsy McEwen is a natural born teacher. She came to education from the banking profession because I think she knew that her “it” was in teaching. She works from day one to build a community where students love learning. Her high expectations and genuine concern for every student set her apart from her peers. Ms. McEwen reminds our faculty daily of Jim Collins’ statement, “Greatness is not a function of circumstance, but of conscious choice.” Angie Rye, Principal Batesburg-Leesville Middle School Betsy McEwen

54. Lexington 4 “It is rare that I have had the opportunity to work with a professional educator with the ability, attitude, and leadership of William Green. Mr. Green is an example of what it means to be a life- long learner and his ability to share his passion for learning with his students brings science to life in his classroom. Mr. Green invests his time, energy, and instructional skills into each student and does not allow failure to be an option. Mr. Green's aims and ambitions are consistently ones of self-improvement and he approaches each challenge with humility and a commitment to excellence.” Justin Nutter, Principal Sandhills Middle School Will Green, Jr.

55. 55 Lexington- Richland Five “She has vision, desire, and great compassion for students. She has high expectations for herself and her students and refuses to allow either to fail. Because of her dedication and love for students, she was hand selected as our SAIL coordinator this year. This is a program designed to help our most at risk students and has become a model for other schools in South Carolina. Lesley has done a great job thus far with this program. She has definitely earned the title of Teacher of the Year.” Mike Satterfield, Principal, Chapin High School Lesley Williams

56. 56 Marion 1 “Ms. Cook is an excellent teacher and a leader among our staff. She goes beyond the call of duty to do what is best for her students, especially at risk students, and our school. Under her tutelage students have received experiences far beyond the classroom. She is a role model for novice and veteran teachers. She has a passion for teaching, learning, and the education profession. She is an outstanding ambassador for our school and profession.” Alfred McFadden, Principal, Marion High School Brandi Cook

57. Marion 2 “Mrs. Bame is an extremely talented artist who is always searching for creative ways to merge her love of children and art to help her students be successful.” Rebecca Ford, Principal, McCormick Elementary School Lou Bame

58. Marion 7 Nancy Etman

59. McCormick “Mr. Brown is an asset to McCormick High School and to the district in several ways. He is a dedicated math teacher who works hard to prepare his students for future endeavors. He is also oversees the athletic program as the director and head football coach. Mr. Brown takes a personal interest in his students, both in the classroom and on the sports program.” Sandra Calliham, Ed.D., Supt. McCormick County School District Frank Brown

60. 60 Newberry Deborah Moore Gallman

61. 61 Oconee Jenni Clay

62. Orangeburg 3 Cardacia is the most vivacious, dedicated and caring teacher I have ever had the pleasure of supervising! Vivacious because she never has a "bad" day. She greets everyone with a smile and is ready for conversation ALL THE TIME. Her dedication to the profession is shown daily as she makes sure every student leaves her classes with an excellent understanding of the skills taught. Cardacia cares about the well-being of her students as well as others through her involvement with extracurricular activities. Her middle school Step Team is awesome! Mamie Dupree, Principal Cardacia Robinson Green

63. 63 Orangeburg 4 Dottie Strickland

64. 64 Orangeburg 5 “Ms. Dawn Starks is indeed a one in a million find. She exemplifies everything that an educator should be. Her students are always the focus behind every decision that she makes throughout the day. Sheridan Elementary is truly a better place because of Ms. Starks and her dedication to her profession.” Xennie Weeks, Principal Sheridan Elementary Dawn Starks

65. Palmetto Unified Caren Rose

66. 66 Pickens “Her professionalism and amazing ability to work on everything from producing a school video, streamlining videos, helping with parent sessions and visiting classrooms while smiling all the time motivates all of our staff to do the same during their busy days. What I find hard to explain about the School District of Pickens County’s Teacher of the Year is her never compromising compassion of putting students and their learning first. Christina Connell, through her daily teaching, personal sacrifices and positive interactions has inspired students, staff members, other colleagues and myself to do everything we possibly can despite whatever obstacles we encounter to serve and teach our future. She is the best!” Christina Connell

67. Richland 1 "In our current education and economic ear, there is a demand for immediate positive results with limited resources. Ms. Dywanna Smith is the change agent who responds to this demand with an intelligent recognition of the issues and viable well-thought out solutions. She is a visionary with the work ethic to deliver the needed results. Her unrelenting mission to increase student achievement is reflected in her decisions which are always in the best interest of our students. Ms. Smith is a visionary, believer, motivator, learner, pioneer and risk-taker." Marisa Vickers, Principal Hand Middle School Dywanna Smith

68. 68 Richland 2 “Courtney is the true definition of a teacher leader. She is willing to take on any task and has the ability to make a difficult task seem easy. Courtney has a unique talent to reach the most at-risk students and hold them to the highest expectations. I am honored to work with a woman who has the skills to manage a large family by today's standards, teach outstanding lessons every day, and sponsor several extracurricular activities. Courtney is truly an outstanding teacher who is changing the world one student at a time.” Katina Davis, Principal Longleaf Middle School Courtney Randle

69. S.C. DJJ “Dianne McLean's teaching career has been characterized by her own desire to learn and to meet the needs of her students. As she puts it, I remember well one of my professors whose advice still resonates with me: Consider the needs of the student. Dont think about what you want or what you need as a teacher. Think about what the student needs. This sage advice has been at the heart of her instructional approach throughout her career. A teacher for more than 30 years, she continues to be a model for those who are called to teach and to make a difference in the lives of children.” Timonthy Bunch, S.C. DJJ Marcia Dianne McLean

70. 70 Saluda “Amy Mitchell is the ideal teacher. She plans her lessons diligently and implements them using her exceptional instructional skills. Ms. Mitchell’s sincere cordiality, superior competency and caring personality enable her to establish excellent rapport with students, parents and colleagues. She is a truly wonderful representative as Teacher of the Year at Saluda Elementary School.” Joseph M. Cox, Principal Saluda Elementary School Amy Mitchell

71. 71 Spartanburg 1 “Debra is the hardest working teacher I know. She is a constant professional that spends hours of her time working to help students that most need help. She works late almost everyday and spends every weekend at the school working on lesson plans, and planning units that include benchmark tests to help each student perform better on the EOC in English I. Her dedication is not limited to books and planning, she truly loves kids and will do whatever it takes to ensure that she builds a relationship with each student and their family. I am the luckiest principal in America because Debra teaches my daughter.” Brian J. Sherman, Principal Landrum High School Debra Giles

72. 72 Spartanburg 2 “I have worked with many exceptional teachers throughout my career. Without doubt, Stephanie Cash is a stand-out. She inspires her students, works well with other faculty members, and is certainly an asset to our school and community. I could name countless achievements but perhaps the most important thing you need to know is that she is the epitome of what every teacher should strive to be. Teaching is her calling and she loves it. I consider it a privilege and blessing to have her on our faculty at Chesnee High School.” Tom Ezell, Principal Chesnee High School Stephanie Cash

73. 73 Spartanburg 3 Kristy Eubanks

74. 74 Spartanburg 4 “Gail High will always be a very young person. She exemplifies Henry Ford's belief, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. But anyone who keeps learning is young." Ms. High has a passion for learning, and she shares this with her students in her social studies classroom. She hooks them with stories and trivia and makes history come alive for them.” Denise Brown, Principal, Woodruff Middle School Gail High

75. 75 Spartanburg 5 “Kelly Jewett is the teacher that I wish that I would have had as a student. She is energetic, knowledgeable, and loves her students without reservations. Kelly has gained the respect and admiration of her colleagues after just one year at our school. She is a huge part of the Byrnes Freshman Academy family.” Todd E. Hardy, Principal James F. Byrnes Freshman Academy Kelly Jewett

76. 76 Spartanburg 6 “Mrs. Thigpen is the most caring educator I have ever known. It does not matter the color of their skin, the economic level, the academic/behavior concerns- she welcomes all to her room with open arms. She sets high expectations for her students to achieve and they rise to her expectations. As a kindergarten teacher for 33 years, Mrs. Thigpen has started hundreds of children off to the best start possible in school as she has not only provided academic success for her students, she has also helped them develop a love for learning and school.” Dr. Cynthia Pridgen, Principal, Woodland Heights Elementary School Peggy Thigpen

77. 77 Spartanburg 7 “Jane possesses a strong commitment to her school and community, and her passion for creating a safe and healthful environment is contagious. Jane has been instrumental in developing and maintaining quality programs at Pine Street School. With her leadership and guidance, she has encouraged us all and taught us ways to lead healthy and productive lives.” Ann Chapman Jeter, Principal Pine Street Elementary School Jane Abbot

78. Sumter 2 “Sharon’s strong commitment to her students is evident in her daily work. She is an enthusiastic, gifted teacher whose classroom reflects her love of learning and sharing. Sharon never feels that she has learned everything about teaching; she is the first to volunteer to attend staff development training or try something new. It is a joy to work with Sharon Delaney.” Marlene De Wit, Principal Ebenezer Middle School Sharon Delaney

79. 79 Sumter 17 “Tammi Morris- what a jewel! In my eighteen years as an educator, I have never met a teacher more dedicated to meeting the needs of all of her students. She possesses a rare ability to combine great compassion and caring with high expectations and outstanding pedagogical skills. Her style earns the trust and respect of her students and enables them to maximize their God given potential. Mrs. Morris is a class act in every way and is well loved by our entire school family.” Phillip W. Jackson, Principal, Kingsbury Elementary School Tamara Morris

80. Union "Mr. Lewis is a contagiously enthusiastic individual who seeks to educate students utilizing the most up-to-date technology and teaching techniques in a fun-filled, energetic environment that is conducive to learning! All students eagerly anticipate being in his classes and walk away with a new appreciation for music and learning.“ Kathy Taylor, Principal Excelsior Middle School Walter Lewis

81. 81 Williston “Beth is an outstanding teacher. She is extremely passionate about teaching math to students with the expectation that they all can be successful. She routinely stays after school tutoring students and communicating with parents. She is dedicated to her profession and is well respected by students and staff alike. We are very fortunate to have Beth as a teacher at our school and as a representative of our district.” Skip Lax, Principal Williston-Elko High School Beth McCarty

82. 82 York 1 Leslie Templeton

83. York 2 “Beth Collins, York 2 (Clover) District Teacher of the Year is 50% mind, 50% heart and 100% dedication. She has the knowledge and skills to reach every student she serves, the compassion and love to be an advocate for each individual, and the persistence and ethics to be an example for all of us educators. Each day she creates a legacy. We are honored to be associated with such an exemplary teacher.” Dr. Tommy Schmolze, Principal Clover High School Beth Collins

84. 84 York 3 "I have always found Mr. Coburn to be very professional in his approach to education. He works well with others and is a competent, knowledgeable, and dedicated professional. He is an outstanding educator whose passion and first priority is teaching. Through grants, he has developed an engineering lab that is well equipped and provides an excellent learning environment for his students. The students know that he cares about their success and is invested in their education." James Blake, Principal Northwestern High School Bryan Coburn

85. York 4 "Jeanie Whitten is a master teacher at Fort Mill High School. She does the things necessary to involve and engage students each day in her class. Her Physics classes are rigorous and fun for her students. Mrs. Whitten embodies all the qualities desired of the best teachers in America. Her devotion to the craft of teaching and her content is among the highest I've witnessed in my education career.“ Dee Christopher, Principal Fort Mill High School Jeanie Whitten