Teacher Forum
Welcome to the Teacher Forum! The Forum Leadership Team is comprised of CCSD’s current Teacher of the Year five finalists and winner— Gwendolyn Benton— and last year’s group. These teachers represent different backgrounds, teaching styles, and areas of expertise. All of them, however, are interested in connecting with other teachers— existing CCSD teachers and prospective teachers— as well as staff and parents, community members and business leaders. Please contact them if you want to “talk” teaching, have any questions about how they teach effectively, or just want to connect with someone who is achieving “Victory in the Classroom!”
David Bellinger Wingard, Mitchell Elementary
I teach third grade in downtown Charleston at Mitchell Elementary School. I am entering my eighth year as a teacher in Charleston County Schools.
On teaching in Charleston: I love teaching in Charleston County for a variety of reasons. Charleston has an abundance of cultural and historical relevance to South Carolina's curriculum. It is an area rich with a unique diversity that spans the entire spectrum of humanity. The natural beauty and community resources available to teachers make Charleston a wonderful place to be an opportunistic teacher.
Advice: My advice for teachers in Charleston County is to always stay positive. Speak highly of your school and of your students. CCSD has an extremely qualified network of valuable resources and determined people to assist you in making your school year a success. Use help from as many of these people as you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Contact Information:
Phone: 724-7261
E-mail: David_Wingard@charleston.k12.sc.us
Edith “Edie” Cusack, Cario Middle School
I teach students with mild to moderate disabilites (“EMD”) in a self contained class at Cario Middle School. I have been teaching for 17 years.
On teaching in Charleston: Inclusive education in CCSD makes this an exciting time to be a teacher of special needs students. As a special educator, I have the wonderful opportunity to share my knowledge and work with teachers and students in the general school environment as well as create the optimal learning environment for my students.
Advice: As teachers, we need to work together, lean on, and depend on each other as we take on the most important job in the world… teaching. Don't be afraid to ask questions: no one knows it all. We are all part of the same team.
Contact Information:
Phone: (843) 856-4595, Ext. 25153
E-mail: Edith_Cusack@charleston.k12.sc.us
Erica Roberts, C.E. Williams Middle School
I teach 6th grade social studies at CE Williams Middle School. I’ve been teaching for four years.
On teaching in Charleston: I love the variety of possibilities we have to impact the lives of our students in Charleston County. There are many real-world events and experiences we can expose the children to in order to facilitate learning and growth on several different levels.
Advice for other teachers? My advice to other teachers would be to always focus on your purpose— teaching the children. Allow yourself opportunities to become better at achieving this objective.
Contact Information:
Tel: 843-763-1529
E-mail: Erica_Roberts@charleston.k12.sc.us
ReBecca Kutcher, Cario Middle
I teach 8th grade English Language Arts at Thomas Cario Middle School. I am National Board Certified and have 20 years of experience teaching middle school.
On teaching in Charleston: My career has spanned 20 years, and all of it has been in Charleston County Schools. I enjoy teaching in a district that has such a diverse population. Our district has made notable academic gains and has enjoyed a surge of support from businesses and our community in general. All this makes it an exciting time to be teaching in Charleston County.
Advice? Be vocal about your needs if you are feeling overwhelmed. There is always another teacher in the district to whom you can "lean on" for support.
Contact Information:
Tel: (843) 856-4595
E-mail: Rebecca_Kutcher@charleston.k12.sc.us
Tara Mande, Laurel Hill
I teach Kindergarten at Laurel Hill Primary, and have seven years of experience as a teacher.
On teaching in Charleston: The thing I love most about teaching in CCSD is the people! We have so many wonderful teachers and administrators in Charleston County who really strive to make a difference in the lives of our children.
Advice? My piece of advice for other teachers is get involved! Find an area of teaching you truly enjoy and get involved in making a difference. Having a voice and experiencing the benefits of knowing your opinions count make being an educator even more rewarding.
Contact Information:
Tel: 763-1507
E-mail: Tara_Mande@charleston.k12.sc.us
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Benton, Morningside Middle (2007-08 Teacher of the Year)
I teach reading at Morningside Middle School. In the past, I taught grades 6-8. This school year I will be teaching 8th grade only. I am also department chair of the English Language Arts department. I just completed my 37th year in education.
On teaching in Charleston: I love the opportunities for intellectual growth and creative stimuli in the CCSD classroom. The Charleston environment is quite conducive for teaching the culture and rich history that many districts would either have to travel miles to experience or only discover through the use of secondary sources. Students here have the opportunity to learn experientially, which adds much character to their education.
Advice? My one piece of advice for other teachers is “pour into your daily routine more than you expect to receive, and watch the fruit of your labor multiply.”
Contact information:
Tel: 745-7122
E-mail: Gwendolyn_Benton@charleston.k12.sc.us
Cassie Norvell, Jennie Moore Elementary (2006-07 Teacher of the Year)
I am a K-2 Multi-age teacher at Jennie Moore Elementary. I have taught for twenty eight years, the last sixteen at Jennie Moore.
On teaching in Charleston: I love teaching at Jennie Moore! I am treated as a professional and have a very supportive administration and staff. All of my public school experience has been in Charleston County and with Dr. McGinley as our superintendent I feel that we are on the road to excellence in every classroom.
Advice? My advice to you is to be actively involved in your school, provide a positive atmosphere for student learning, and serve as an advocate for your students. We want excellence for every child.
Contact information:
Tel: 843-849-2815
E-mail: Cassandra_Norvell@charleston.k12.sc.us
Kathy Pyle, Mitchell Elementary
I teach third grade at Mitchell Elementary school in downtown Charleston. I have 11 years of teaching experience.
On teaching in Charleston: The thing I love the most about teaching in Charleston County School District is the great diversity our district offers. Charleston County offers a wide variety of experiences for educators and professionals. Our district is successful because of the many people that work together each day in our quest for excellence.
Advice? If I could share one piece of advice with teachers, it would be to never be afraid to try something that has the potential to positively affect the life of child. It has been the ideas or possible changes that have scared me the most over the last eleven years that have produced the greatest rewards and memories.
Contact information:
Tel: 724-7261
E-mail: Kathy_Pyle@charleston.k12.sc.us
Deanna Mozingo, Office of Exceptional Children
I am a Lead Teacher for Moderate and Severe Disabilities with the Office of Exceptional Children, and I have 12 years of experience—all with CCSD!
On teaching in Charleston: I love the diversity of CCSD! I have the opportunity to meet and work with many different people who are constantly introducing me to new ideas!
Advice? Approach problems as challenges. Keep an open mind and try to examine external elements and their impact on the situation. Always remember that others have been there before, don't be afraid to ask for help!
Contact information:
Tel: 843-852-6572
E-mail: Deanna_Mozingo@charleston.k12.sc.us
Elizabeth McKenzie, Laurel Hill
I began teaching in 1987. I have been in CCSD since 1990, with the exception of a few years when I stayed home with my son. I taught kindergarten for five years and second grade for two years—the rest of my career has been spent teaching first grade.
On teaching in Charleston: Working with incredible families, teachers and administrators throughout my years in CCSD has been a blessing. My schools have supported and provided me with a variety of professional growth opportunities that challenge me to continue learning.
Advice? Choose to work with an age group and subject area that you love, equip yourself with knowledge of your students and the area where your students live, and get involved in activities, groups, or classes in the district to help develop a good support system.
Contact information:
Tel: 843-849-2200
E-mail: Elizabeth_McKenzie@charleston.k12.sc.us
The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) offers an online communication tool on which educators can connect online and discuss topics relating to teaching in South Carolina. A great variety of topics are addressed, and one section is devoted to teaching in the Lowcountry. Visit http://www.cerra.proboards54.com/ to register.