2012-13 Teachers of the Year
School Teachers of the Year
The process of selecting the ten finalists began last fall when schools and centers selected their individual Teachers of the Year. Applications were first 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?
Each Top Ten candidate for Greenville County Teacher of the Year is judged on nine areas including those on his or her application form, a classroom visit, and an oral review. 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. 2012-13 judges were: Dr. Temi Bidjerano, Furman University; Mr. Herb Johnson, Michelin North America; Dr. Betty McConaghy, retired school administrator; Mrs. Fanya Paouris, former Greenville and South Carolina Teacher of the Year; and Mr. Tobin Wolverton, The Rotary Club of Greenville.
Avis Canty Special Education Tanglewood Middle
Jennifer Farr Second Grade Taylors Elementary
Alicia Keller Counselor Thomas E. Kerns Elem.
Jennifer Bartlett Speech Therapy Tigerville Elementary
Suzanne Lafaye Special Education Travelers Rest High
Sarah Ashworth Special Education Washington Center
Sara Awtrey Fourth Grade Welcome Elementary
Maxie Preshia Social Studies West Greenville MSAP
Libby Riddle Special Education Westcliffe Elementary
Corley Lollis First Grade RTI Woodland Elementary
Mary Alice Pinkley Media Specialist Woodmont Middle
Teachers of the Year Recognized by Local Businesses
The announcement naming Will Ragland the 2012-2013 Greenville County Teacher of the Year was made August 17 during a Teacher of the Year breakfast. Special awards and prizes were provided for the top Greenville County teacher and other honorees.
Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees Seated, left to right: Glenda Morrison-Fair, Lisa Wells, Tommie Reece, Lynda Leventis-Wells, Megan Hickerson. Standing, left to right: Danna Rohleder, Dr. Crystal Ball O’Connor, Pat Sudduth, Roger Meek, Chuck Saylors, Debi Bush, Leola Robinson-Simpson. Roger D. Meek 2012 Board Chairman W. Burke Royster Superintendent The 2012-13 Teachers of the Year insert was produced by the Communications Department of Greenville County Schools. 301 E. Camperdown Way • P.O. Box 2848 • Greenville, SC 29602 INFOLine 864-355-3100 • www. greenville.k12.sc.us 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.
Emerging Teacher of the Year • Greenville Federal Credit Union - $500 for Teachers’ Schools, $500 for Teachers All Teachers of the Year • Plaque (Awarded in August) • Bank of Travelers Rest – Embroidered Tote Bag (Awarded in May) Top Ten Finalists • Cowart Awards - Engraved Acrylics • Eplee & Associates – Book Store Gift Certificates • Expressions Unlimited – Flowers • Herff Jones Company – Teacher of the Year Paperweights • Sam’s Club - Goody Bag of School Supplies
Runners Up • Greenville Rotary Club – Cash Awards Teacher of the Year • Cowart Awards – Engraved Acrylic • Expressions Unlimited – Bouquet • Greenville Journal - Dinner Gift Certificate • Greenville News – One-Year Subscription • Greenville Rotary Club – Cash Award • Herff Jones Company – Special Teacher of the Year Pin or Ring • Michelin North America – Set of 4 Michelin Tires • Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company - $500 • Sam’s Club - $1,000 Grant and a Banner • Soby’s – Dinner for Two
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