2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
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Fourth Grade Plain Elementary School
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C o n g ra tu l a t i o n s to a l l o f t h e 2 0 1 7- 1 8 Tea c h e rs o f t h e Yea r !
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Greenville County Schools
2017-18 Teacher of the Year
Suzanne Billings
Fourth Grade • Plain Elementary School
Imagine. Create. Inspire. Plain Elementary fourth grade teacher Suzanne Billings recognizes how her father’s coaching led her to become a teacher. “Having my dad as my basketball and softball coach allowed me to see how he implemented mentoring skills in sports. He focused on not just improving physical skills, but developing both character and self-confidence,” she said. Later, she realized the breadth of his influence when she discovered that one of her teammates wrote her college essay about Billings’ father. “She said my dad made the most significant impact on her personal development,” said Billings. “I knew I wanted to be like my dad and inspire others to achieve their best and positively impact their personal growth and success.” Today, this 19-year educator roots her
teaching practices in creating a positive, inclusive classroom community. “I ensure each student views him or herself as a speaker, listener, teacher, and supporter. This community team environment instills ownership of learning and allows each student’s talents and abilities to shine,” she explained. Mrs. Billings has taught special needs as well as gifted and talented students. “I teach all students with the same enthusiasm and expectation for personal growth,” she explained. Her daily mantra, Imagine. Create. Inspire. is a solid method for developing successful, inquisitive learners. “Teaching is imagining the purpose of the knowledge, creating an understanding and desire to utilize this new information, and then applying and inspiring
uses for new learning,” she said. “My reward in teaching is observing students who imagine, create, and inspire for themselves, not just for a teacher or parent.” Billings says she encourages students to make connections between the classroom and the real world to support her goal of having students believe in the benefits of education, plan for obtaining a diploma, aspire to become college-bound, and be ready for their dream career. When she’s not teaching fourth graders, Mrs. Billings provides professional development opportunities for her peers. She has served as a literacy mentor for elementary intermediate grades, a technology presenter at the Upstate Technology Conference, and a mentor teacher for educators. Suzanne Billings holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education for Students with Learning Disabilities and/or Emotional Handicaps from Furman University and a Master’s degree in Elementary School Guidance Counseling from Clemson University.
2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
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2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
Greenville County Schools
2017-18 Teachers of the Year
RUNNERS-UP
FIRST RUNNER-UP
SECOND RUNNER-UP
THIRD RUNNER-UP
Anjosia Ellerbe
Erin Rigot
Ashley Jenkins
Business Education Wade Hampton High School
Sixth Grade ELA/Communications League Middle Academy
Social Studies/World History Woodmont High School
“Regardless of the external situations influencing my students, when they come into my class, they know that their teacher-mom is cheering them on and working with them on their level to ensure success. No two students are identical and each needs something different from me to get the most out of each business class. By the end of the semester, the students jokingly say that I am their school mom, and I accept that role with pride.”
“The most satisfying part of being a middle school teacher is the ability to create strong relationships with my students. I firmly believe that these crucial years leave a lasting positive or negative impression on each student. My students are trying to figure out who they are and who they want to become. They rely on me for guidance, affirmation, and reassurance as they navigate the pre-teen years. Being able to flip between counselor and teacher is one of the most important parts of what I do.”
“Educating the whole child, making the complicated simple, and promoting kindness are the key traits of my daily teaching. By reaching a student through his or her interests, finding a way to make students enjoy success, modeling what I preach, and supporting students by attending their extra-curricular events, I successfully build lasting relationships that assist in hooking students into the content I teach.”
2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
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Greenville County Schools
2017-18 Teachers of the Year
RUNNERS-UP
Jeremy Bowen
David Dejesa
Physics/Earth Science Hillcrest High School
Social Studies/Speech and Debate Riverside High School
Chancey Greco
Lauren Long
Thomas McAuliff
Sixth Grade English Language Arts Greenville Middle Academy 6
Scott Buhr
Mathematics J.L. Mann High Academy
Eighth Grade English Hillcrest Middle School
2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
Third Grade Taylors Elementary School
Greenville County Schools
2017-18 EMERGING Teachers of the Year
Greenville Federal Credit Union Honors Two Emerging Teachers of the Year The Emerging Teachers of the Year Program, sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union, recognizes a second or third year teacher at the elementary and secondary levels for outstanding performance. Each winner receives $500, a crystal award, and $500 for his/her school. ELEMENTARY LEVEL
SECONDARY LEVEL
Katie Inclan
Matthew Giacalone
Second Grade Plain Elementary
Seventh Grade Science Greenville Middle Academy
When Katie Inclan realized students were not mastering certain math skills, she researched best teaching practices to create a new math curriculum for small group instruction. Not only did she share her ideas with her peers, she also assisted them in adapting the ideas for their classrooms. Ms. Inclan connects with students to build self-confidence, to challenge them to do their best, and to teach them to be risk-takers. She has designed an early morning reading skills intervention program to assist students beyond the classroom. She builds a classroom community focused on important social skills needed to work effectively as a team.
Matt Giacalone’s vast knowledge of teaching practices allows him to engage, challenge, and support his students. He is a natural learner, constantly striving to improve by keeping abreast of relevant scientific information. He shares his enthusiasm for science with his grade-level team by working oneon-one with a student or by offering support at school functions. Mr. Giacalone’s lesson plans include reading, writing, and vocabulary. He encourages students to be note-takers to help them organize content. He collaborates with organizations to bring field trips into the school to highlight science, math, and technology.
School Teachers of the Year
a classroom visit, and an interview.
The process of selecting the ten finalists began last fall when schools and centers selected their individual Teachers of the Year. Applications were reviewed by a Screening Committee. Five judges then selected the Top Ten finalists and the District Teacher of the Year.
How Are the Finalists Chosen?
In the classroom, judges observe the teacher’s command of subject matter, classroom environment, communication skills, enthusiasm, creativity, and classroom management skills. During the interview, candidates are judged on his or her use of effective communication skills, organization of response, knowledge and command of subject matter, and substance and relevance of response.
Each Top Ten candidate for Greenville County Teacher of the Year is judged on the nine areas included on the application form,
The members of the Selection Committee were Lillie Lewis, Southern Wesleyan University; Kelly Nalley, former Greenville
County Schools and South Carolina Teacher of the Year; Dr. Betty McConaghy, retired school administrator; Scott Powell, Rotary Club of Greenville; and Bill Tyler, Chick-fil-A.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Bank of Travelers Rest, BMW, Chickfil-A, Cowart Awards, Eplee & Associates, Expressions Unlimited, Greenville Federal Credit Union, Greenville Journal, Herff Jones Company, Josten’s, Michelin North America Inc., Papa John’s Pizza, Peace Center, Rotary Club of Greenville, Sam’s Club, Space Max, Sprint.
2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
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GREENVILLE COUNTY SCHOOLS
2017-18 Teachers of the Year
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Cristina Sims Fourth Grade A.J. Whittenberg Elementary
Kelly Day Third Grade Alexander Elementary
Heather Bramlett Fifth Grade Armstrong Elementary
Lauren Owens Kindergarten Augusta Circle Elementary
Alyssa Nichols Sixth Grade Science Beck Middle Academy
Jessica Clark First Grade Bell’s Crossing Elementary
Carley Gant Reading Interventionist Berea Elementary
Dray Lloyd English Berea High
Nancy Wood Seventh Grade Mathematics Berea Middle
Christine Hendrix Kindergarten Bethel Elementary
Jeanette Ray Mathematics Blue Ridge High
John Marks Seventh Grade Mathematics Blue Ridge Middle
Debbie Miles First Grade Blythe Elementary Academy
Jessica Cheek Secondary English Brashier Middle College Charter
Morgan Mason Fifth Grade Brook Glenn Elementary
Corinne Wickline Special Education Brushy Creek Elementary
Kevin Ester Special Education Bryson Elementary
Carla Washington Physical Education Bryson Middle
Carla McDermott Second Grade Buena Vista Elementary
Andrea Thomason Special Education Carolina High & Academy
Sarah Helgemo Fourth Grade Chandler Creek Elementary
Steven Thompson Fifth Grade Cherrydale Elementary
Anna Huff Pre-school Special Education Child Development Centers
Stacey Padgett Fifth Grade Crestview Elementary
Deigha Anderson-Davis Graphic Art & Design Donaldson Career Center
Laurie Schmotzer Sixth Grade English Lang. Arts Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle
Amelia Stefanelli ESOL Duncan Chapel Elementary
Margaret Stewart First Grade E. North St. Elementary Academy
Susan Barber Theater Eastside High
Angela Hunt Special Education Ellen Woodside Elementary
Travis Cash Career Rotation Enoree Career Center
Sarah Blackman Creative Writing Fine Arts Center
Whitnee Grant First Grade Fork Shoals School
Christa Morrison Third Grade Fountain Inn Elementary
Brianna Simpson Art Gateway Elementary
2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
GREENVILLE COUNTY SCHOOLS
2017-18 Teachers of the Year Jim Deese Firefighting Golden Strip Career Center
Wendy Postich Special Education Greenbrier Elementary
Naomi Cicconi Mathematics Greenville Early College
Kathryn Ethridge Mathematics Greenville Sr. High Academy
Stacia Turkenburg Science Greer High
Marissa Aulick Eighth Grade English Lang. Arts Greer Middle
Diane Newell Second Grade Grove Elementary
Brady Coyle-Smith Music Heritage Elementary
Taylor McCarthy First Grade Hollis Elementary Academy
Stephani Ecklund Special Education Hughes Middle Academy
Leroy (Roy) Morris Machine Tool Technology J. Harley Bonds Career Center
Beth Robinson Literacy Coach Lake Forest Elementary
Jennifer Hull Mathematics, Creative Writing Lakeview Middle
Jennifer Haught Art Mauldin Elementary
Lisa Stansell Career & Technology Education Mauldin High
Kenia Warren Spanish Mauldin Middle
Christie Sill First Grade Mitchell Road Elementary
Catalina Drinkhahn Second Grade Monarch Elementary
Katie Gaines First Grade Monaview Elementary
Lauren Anthony First Grade Mountain View Elementary
Eliza Huskey Art Northwest Middle
Elizabeth Hamer School Counselor Northwood Middle
Sarah Poole Fifth Grade Oakview Elementary
Callie Wentzky Special Education Paris Elementary
Caroline Duncan Kindergarten Pelham Road Elementary
Joseph Miles Eighth Grade Social Studies Ralph Chandler Middle
Raigenn Rivers Special Education Riverside Middle
Caroline Easley Fourth Grade Reading/ELA Robert E. Cashion Elementary
Nicole Poore Third Grade Rudolph Gordon Elementary
Patti Renwick Kindergarten Sara Collins Elementary
Carolyn Morris Seventh Grade Social Studies Sevier Middle
Joanna Weir Fourth Grade Simpsonville Elementary
Jessica Tooley Fifth Grade Skyland Elementary
Summer Rawson Technology Slater-Marietta Elementary
Mary Kathryn Moore-Smith Mathematics Southside High
2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
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GREENVILLE COUNTY SCHOOLS
2017-18 Teachers of the Year Ebony Nye Second Grade Sterling School
George Koontz Fifth Grade Stone Elementary Academy
Courtney Wood Third Grade Sue Cleveland Elementary
Kamaya Mention Fifth Grade Summit Drive Elementary
Ken Minton Seventh Grade English Lang. Arts Tanglewood Middle
Bethany Imms Media Specialist Tigerville Elementary
Amanda Wakely Art Washington Center
The School District of Greenville County does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, handicap, religion, or national origin in its dealings with employees, students, the general public, applicants for employment, educational programs, activities, or access to its facilities. For concerns, call the General Counsel at 355-8866.
Lora Fricks Kindergarten Welcome Elementary
Emily Milhous Special Education Westcliffe Elementary
JJ Roper Third Grade Woodland Elementary
Sarah Trimpe Sixth Grade Social Studies Woodmont Middle
2017 Board of Trustees Seated, left to right: Joy Grayson, Lisa H. Wells, Lynda Leventis-Wells, Glenda Morrison-Fair. Standing, left to right: Roger D. Meek, Debi C. Bush, Dr. Crystal Ball O’Connor, Danna Rohleder, Derek Lewis, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, Patrick L. Sudduth, Charles J. (Chuck) Saylors.
Dr. Crystal Ball O’Connor 2017 Board Chairman W. Burke Royster, Ph.D. Superintendent
Greenville County Schools P. O. Box 2848 Greenville, SC 29602 864-355-3100 www. greenville.k12.sc.us 10
2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
The 2017-18 Teachers of the Year insert was written by the Communications Department of Greenville County Schools. 2017-18 Teachers of the Year was designed by Community Journals and is a supplement to the Greenville Journal.
2017-18 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year
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