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Unsung Educator of the Week

The "Unsung Educator of the Week" is a weekly honor given to a CCSD educator. The winner is nominated by a peer because of their determination to go above and beyond for our students. The winner for the week is published each Friday in the CCSD All Staff newsletter.

CCSD employees may submit nominees via this link or by emailing a name, description and photo to stephen_wyatt@charleston.k12.sc.us

January 24
Mary Beth Dinunzio - Art Teacher
Mitchell Elementary

"Ms. Dinunzio goes beyond just teaching. She is dedicated to her passion for art and shares her unmatched creativity with her students. The students eye catching and amazing art work hang on the Mitchell walls and brighten up otherwise dull hallways. She selects a famous artist and teaches the students about the artist and how to mimic their style.
For example, she had them create wrought iron gates, designed with black curlicue paper, that resembled the work of Philip Simmons. Because of her dedication and creativity, the students will remember famous artists the rest of their lives. For a moment in time, they were the artists! -- nominated by colleagues

 

January 17
Julie Hord
Stono Park Elementary

Ms. Hord is an exceptional employee at SPES. She is not only an employee but also a SPES parent. She currently serves as our school's PTA President. She has always been an advocate for the Stono Park Community. She is the epitome of the definition of a servant. She goes above and beyond for the staff and scholars at our school. She always lends herself to whatever the school may need.

She is invaluable and we can't imagine where we would be without her.

January 10
Mamie Rader
Garrett Academy of Technology

Nurse Mamie Rader’s intervention recently led to a student being diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Teacher Amy Brunson took her student seriously when he complained of fatigue and a leg cramp that kept him up all night. She sent him to the clinic to see Nurse Rader.

Nurse Rader’s training and instincts went into overdrive.

“My mind went to hydration and as we talked he commented that he was thirsty and had to use the restroom a lot,” said Rader. “That was a signal to me that this could be serious.”

Rader called the student’s mother who came immediately to the school to take him to the emergency room. Read full article

December 20
Amy Buckheister
Zucker Middle School

"Ms. Buckheister is a dedicated, passionate, and kind educator. She has high expectations for herself, her students, and her colleagues.

Buckheister wears many hats at Zucker, and wears them all well!

Besides teaching daily (SAIL and 7th grade honors ELA), she is an ELA instructional coach helping support teachers with lesson plans, data analysis, classroom management, differentiated instruction, intervention, scheduling, and direct instruction.

She is a member of the school leadership team, MTSS Team, MAP coordinator, led the PBIS committee for years, conducts the annual spelling bee, attends grade level meetings, coordinates service learning projects, leads an after school book club for students, leads book studies for staff, and helps to coordinate the high stakes state standardized testing.

Most importantly, she creates meaningful genuine relationships with her colleagues and students and inspires all to be their best. I am sure that I'm leaving out other roles of Ms. Buckheister !

--colleague

 

December 13
Jason Brisini
Wando High School

"Jason Brisini is the type of teacher and person we should all strive to be every day. He cares deeply about each and every student while inspiring them to learn & care about the world around them. Despite taking on a new job this year as a teacher coach, Jason wanted to continue working with students in an early bird course. Teenagers are getting up an hour early to be in his class - that should speak volumes! He is also using "Skype like" technology to include 2 other high schools in his course.

My oldest son had Mr. Brisini, and fell in love with Political Science (now his second major at Clemson). Jason even takes time each week to work with students who are struggling, and spends time truly getting to know the kids."

-- nominated by an employee

December 6
Cindy Branscome
Physical Education 
Charleston County School of the Arts.

Ms. Branscome nomination is described below:

"Cindy Branscome works tirelessly to encourage students to engage in physical education. She frequently goes unrecognized because our school focus is on the arts.

However, it never goes unrecognized to me because I also teach a form of the physical arts, dance. I support all of Cindy's efforts to have students lead healthy lifestyles and use their bodies. It only helps my dance students better use their bodies and take care of them. I know my students enjoy her classes.

She makes them fun, fair, and educational. I recommend her because Cindy's students are the heart of her work." -- colleague

 

 

November 22
Betty "BT" Bouton
Camp Road Middle School

"BT takes pride in her classroom, the media center. In fact, she encourages teachers to visit weekly and not just for the typical book check out, she teachers meaningful lessons that support classroom teachers.

She teaches students how to utilize all our databases, creating interactive activities such as scavenger hunts to get students excited about learning. Additionally, BT teaches students how to properly use MLA formatting, provides countless tips and tricks on how to properly research, and most importantly she guides students on how to find the perfect book.

I have single-handedly witnessed BT turning hundreds of reluctant readers into students excited about their next great read. She is so well versed in the books in the library with only a few simple questions- voila, she has found just the perfect book. BT hooks students on authors or genres and it truly is like witnessing the magic!

Beyond the library, BT serves as our ELA department chair. She supports teachers, advocates for us, and offers her time to help plan units with teachers across the disciplines. BT organizes fundraisers throughout the year to provide author visits for our students, yet another way to captivate students’ minds into the world of books.

 

BT is irreplaceable and I am honored to teach alongside her." --numerous colleagues

 

November 15
Michelle Wright, Procurement

Jonathon Robinson
Supply Support Lead - Facilities

 

Senator Sandy Senn contacted CCSD asking for donations to assist the students that will be returning to school at the end of October. After the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, Senator Senn has secured airplanes and shipping containers to get items to the Bahamas.  
 
Several times a year, CCSD sends outdated curriculum to Books of Africa.
After learning of the opportunity to help students in the Bahamas, Bridgeview employees Michelle Wright and Jonathon Robinson jumped on the opportunity to help these students.
 
After receiving approval, two pallets of booklets were delivered on Tuesday, November 5th to Water Missions International.
 

November 8
Lauren Martin 
James Simons Elementary

 

Ms. Lauren Martin has been working at James Simons since she started her teaching career about a decade ago.  Ms. Martin is a compassionate and responsive educator who goes above and beyond her role as a music teacher.  She carefully selects and creates lessons that integrate the content curriculum and builds community in her school. Ms.Martin is the epitome of a team player and a person who truly views students as the heart of our work. Since last year Ms. Martin has started a leadership initiative at our school for our adolescent students.  Aside from in their music elective, this isn't a population of students that Ms. Martin typically serves in our PreK-8 setting.  However, Ms. Martin has taken the initiative to serve as a mentor, advisor, and guide to our middle school students. This is an age group that needs guidance as they transition from childhood to adulthood--elementary school to high school, and Ms. Martin takes this role very seriously.

Additionally, she plans thoughtful performances that coincide with the mission and vision of our school and again relate to the content of our core academic curriculum. 

 

James Simons is fortunate to have Ms. Martin who is a model for other educators!

 

 

November 1
Mary Scholtens
Whitesides Elementary

 

"Ms. Scholtens has taught at Whitesides for over 20 years, but constantly seeks ways to improve her teaching and provide more opportunities for her students. Each year, she writes and directs an original production for every grade level, as well as teaching classes and directing choruses for fourth and fifth grades. She recently wrote and received donors choose grant to pay for music therapy for autistic students, bringing in a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Therapist Laura Ruipoli, a former Whitesides’ student herself, worked with Mrs. Scholtens and the Exceptional Children Educators to make a plan that helps students accomplish their IEP goals while expanding their exposure and enjoyment of music. Seeing the response of the students, she sought additional funding and was funded by the SC Arts Commission for 2nd semester.

 

Cynthia Perez, Mrs. Scholtens principal said, "It's exciting to see these students respond to music in a different way, especially for the students who did not easily connect to music during a traditional class. These sessions have not only been beneficial for the students, but have also provided wonderful opportunities for the teacher to capture more knowledge about individual students, which provides more meaningful learning opportunities for each student."

October 25, 2019 
Samantha Blake
E.B. Ellington Elementary

"From the moment I met Ms. Blake at my interview, she has been an inspirational leader. A soothing manner, a sense of humor, and a firm foundation in her teaching style has helped me acclimate to a new teaching environment. She has taken time to define expectations, unfurl standards, and guide me through the program.  Samantha's leadership skills are apparent to all who come in contact with her. She has been approached by others for assistance and there is always a confirming smile. 
 
Samantha exudes admirable leadership skills and I am proud to work beside her as part of the 5th-grade team." --colleague

 

October 18, 2019
Officer Caleb Bradish, School Resource Officer
Buist Academy

"This year, we are very fortunate to have a full-time School Resource Officer. He is an amazing addition to our Buist family.
 
Last month, he supported kindergarten classes by inviting special community helpers to the school. He was also able to bring Peppa Pig to visit from the Charleston County Public Library. You can also find him monitoring the halls, helping car riders, and having lunch with students. He works extremely hard to keep us safe and happy." ---Buist teacher
 

October 11, 2019
Tyra Johnson, North Charleston ES/Dunston

"Ms. Johnson is the family service advocate for NorthCharleston ES and Matilda F. Dunston Primary. She goes above and beyond to address family needs that impact children's readiness to learn each school day.  
 
Students sometimes miss school because they don't have clean clothes. Last year, Ms. Johnson developed a partnership with a laundromat near Dunston to offer families a free wash & dry night. This school year, she requested a washer and dryer for North Charleston ES through Whirlpool's Care Counts program. Ms. Johnson understands that student success is influenced by factors outside of school. By increasing access to clean clothes, truancy is reduced and students are ready to learn."

October 4, 2019
Tyler Bealmear, Moultrie Middle School

"Tyler Bealmear teaches students with exceptional needs, and despite various challenges during the first three days of school, he has persevered, adapting to meet students' needs with a moment's notice. Dedicated to continuous improvement, he also works collaboratively and creatively with stakeholders to help students overcome the various challenges they face.

Mr. Bealmear always offers a smile as he encourages those who work alongside him. His dedication to the exceptional community of learners he serves is admirable." --nominated by a colleague

September 27, 2019
Melissa Zahler, Chicora Elementary

"Melissa is a media specialist who is simply amazing.   Melissa is part of the media specialist cohort that started last year.  She was previously a first grade teacher who decided to step out of the classroom and take on a new challenge - and what a challenge it was.  Fast forward one year - She's an ICON.  The students love her and she loves them.  She has tackled some amazing projects and has been hitting homeruns on all of them.  She has created a very dynamic morning news show that has student interviews, wellness tips, fun facts, etc.  (Talk about it Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Throughout the School Thursday)  She's created an Oasis Room for students who are caught doing the right thing can come and spend some time putting together puzzles, reading, working on their iPad, etc."

September 20, 2019
Caroline Boyd - James Island Elementary School.

"Ms. Boyd is the Data Clerk/Front Office Guru at JIES.

She handles her multiple responsibilities of supporting the staff, students and parents with grace, patience, and is a true lens of "Students are the Heart of Our Work." -- nominated by a colleague 

September 13, 2019 -  Caroline Stalvey, Wando High School

"Caroline Stalvey is one of those young teachers who is wise beyond her years. She has a humble demeanor, yet she radiates confidence and dedication to her craft. Her knowledge of her content, her love for her profession, and her dedication to her students are evident in everything she does. 
 
Caroline is a leader in differentiation and personalized learning. She opens her classroom to other teachers to observe, and her lessons are models on how to meet students where they are. She seamlessly weaves instructional technology into her lessons so students can track their own progress, and she is a pioneer in using every resource she has to close the achievement gap. 
 
As she moves around her classroom or greets students in the hall, you can see by the look on their faces that they know they are valued by their teacher and are ready to work hard for her and with her." -- Nominated by fellow teacher

August 30, 2019 - North Charleston Community

Three of CCSD's schools were used as shelters for those who needed a place to wait out Hurricane Dorian.

The volunteers at Military Magnet Academy - MMA, R.B. Stall High School, and Jerry Zucker Middle School included both CCSD and non-CCSD personnel.

Individuals who put helping their community above helping themselves! Some of these groups included the American Red Cross of South Carolina, North Charleston Police Department and CCSD Nutrition Services.

Hurricane Dorian was the first time Jerry Zucker MS served as a storm shelter. Principal Perlmutter's team rose to the occasion and welcomed the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

We want to thank all these individuals for their service to our community in not only North Charleston, but everywhere else in the Lowcountry!

 

August 23, 2019 - Theressa Varner, Laing Middle School

"Ms. Varner is a 7th Grade Science teacher. She has been an educator for more than 15 years having previously taught at Morningside MS.
 
She pushes her fellow educators to share their knowledge by having an open-door policy and advocates for the #ObserveMe movement. As educators, we often close ourselves off from others in order to focus on content, but her approach is to collaborate and build competency within the group.
 
She is a curriculum writer for the science department and is always willing to share her knowledge and approach with fellow educators. She is family driven and involved with her church, but always has time to connect and share her resources with her teaching teams." --nominated by a Laing colleague

 

August 16, 2019 - Lori Holbrook, Mitchell Elementary

Lori Holbrook is the science lab teacher at Mitchell Elementary. 

She has designed lessons for all grade levels that incorporate engineering and design as well as the scientific method.  You can often find her dressed up like Einstein, pulling on a lab coat, or elbow-deep in slime.  She oversees our touch tank and terrapin aquarium. 

In addition, Lori has her license to drive buses and will volunteer to drive our students on field trips in order to save money.  When she accompanies our students on outdoor field trips she doubles as the environmental guide. Whether it's marine life or earth science, Lori has a wealth of knowledge.  She also volunteers her time after-school and during the summer.  Recently she drove a group of our students to a camp in North Carolina in order to safe them travel money.  She is a dedicated and caring teacher and we are very fortunate she is at Mitchell.