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Teacher of the Year 2011-2012

Overview of Selection Process

Teachers of the Year of the Charleston County School District (CCSD) are selected annually from among approximately 3,500 teachers. Each school names and honors its own Teacher of the Year. School winners are given the opportunity to compete in the district-level competition.

Each year, a selection panel scores anonymous applications in order to narrow down the school winners to five finalists considered for the district's Teacher of the Year. These five representatives are known as the Honor Roll Teachers and will be asked to serve for two years on the Teacher Forum.

This spring, the Teacher of the Year candidates will be honored at a Charleston RiverDogs game, at which the district winner will be announced. The winner will be honored with a one-year lease for a Volvo of Charleston and other gifts donated by businesses in the community. The CCSD Teacher of the Year will serve as the vice-chair for the Teacher Forum and will represent CCSD through the State Teacher of the Year selection process.

2011-2012 Finalists

  • Nancy Dabitteacher: Ms. Nancy Dabit
  • subject & school: sixth grade English Language Arts, Moultrie Middle

Dabit is a graduate of CCSD public schools and the College of Charleston. She attributes her success to her teachers who took the time to get to know her as an individual and who inspired her to take pride in her identity.  A colleague describes her as a teacher who “celebrates diversity,” while serving as a model for all students by embracing her heritage and encouraging students do likewise with perseverance and humility. 

Moultrie Middle's Principal Anna Dassing states that, “Ms. Dabit has embraced the true meaning of literacy and has students reading, writing, speaking, and listening in real-world, relevant ways.  She fully understands rigor is holding students to high standards, but she also understands she must support them in achieving those high expectations.”

This graduate of the College of Charleston and The Citadel believes strongly that a “defeated student cannot learn.”  In her daily practice as a teacher, she strives to provide an environment for her students where their self-worth, along with academic and personal success can be re-established.  She asserts that regardless of where the student goes to school, he or she is entitled to a quality education, which includes teachers willing to give 100% of themselves, their time, and their energy.  Colleagues note her outstanding ability to “build bridges” between parents and students while advocating for both. 

Principal Dianne Benton recognizes that Grace is an integral component of the school’s team, whose, “…ability to connect to each student, addressing each student’s unique talent and specific needs is absolutely incredible.” 

This finalist received an undergraduate degree in Biology from Duke University and a graduate degree from Chapman University.  Inspired by a grandfather who spent his career in public education, Howard pursued a teaching career because he wanted to provide others with fulfillment and purpose.  Believing that each child can learn and that it is his responsibility to find a way to reach each student, he aims to “demystify science” for his students and hopes that his students are inspired to love learning.  This commitment is evidenced by a parent who comments that Howard has provided her child with character, greater confidence, and boundless support. 

Principal Benjamin Bragg describes Howard as, “…always strengthening and improving the teaching profession through example and leadership. He is the greatest contribution to the profession of education.” 

A graduate of Salisbury University, Parker credits her success as a teacher to the positive influences in her life including her church, her parents, and her sisters. She sets high expectations for her students and asserts that, "It isn’t [her] work to provide answers for the students, but rather to guide them to the answers so they discover the answers on their own.”

Principal Leanne Sheppard recognizes Parker’s commitment to meeting the needs of diverse learners. PASS results from her class indicate that 100% of her students scored “exemplary” on the reading PASS test and 88% scored “exemplary” on the math test. Her former principal in Maryland describes her as, “...the best of our teaching profession…a teacher of teachers.”

 

This graduate of Central Michigan University describes her brother as the motivation behind her career path.  A student in an alternative school program, Stanley’s brother was greatly impacted by uncaring and thoughtless teaching.  It has become her mission to. “…strive to be the one teacher [her] brother missed out on having,” one who is interested in learning about each student and one who is wiling to give every single student the opportunity to reach his greatest potential.

Principal Jennifer Coker recognizes that Stanley is fully committed to her students and constantly strives for excellence, emphasizing that the teacher is “…always looking for ways to improve her teaching and student learning.” 

The 2010-2011 Finalists and Winner