A Chinese proverb states, “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand.”
This April, ETV is showcasing five South Carolina teachers who do much more than tell and show their students information to be learned. These extraordinary educators do all they can to involve and engage their students in the classroom. As a result of that involvement, these five teachers are in the race for the South Carolina 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year.
On Sunday, April 17 at 1 p.m., just days before the SC Teacher of the Year is announced, a special edition of “In Our Schools” takes a closer look at the five finalists. The program will include interviews with these educators about teaching styles, changes and challenges in education, and what has made each of them so successful. The program will also give viewers an opportunity to see them in action, helping their students learn.
The five exceptional teachers who represent our fine educators across the state are:
· Beth Hinson is a biology teacher at Dillon High School in Dillon School District One. Hinson is National Board Certified and calls her 24 years of teaching a “journey of discovery.” She is gifted at putting her students at ease because she appreciates and values their uniqueness and diversity. Hinson believes that, “Teachers must work together to refine their skills- developing new techniques, sharing their knowledge, talent, and best practices.”
· Jean Allman is an eighth-grade mathematics teacher from Johnakin Middle School in Marion School District One. Allman is a 34-year veteran in the school system who was called back to teaching after she retired as an assistant principal. She brings a “down home” style to her classroom and uses voices and accents to grab the attention of her students. Her “folksy” approach attempts to make difficult lessons easy and inspire students to see what they learn as useful and relevant in their lives.
· Craig Andrysczyk is a fifth-grade mathematics teacher from Oak Pointe Elementary School in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties. Andrysczyk has been teaching for 20 years and was also a teacher cadet in high school. He promotes academic success in his classroom by teaching from the back of the room to see who is struggling. He believes that fitting in is just as valuable as succeeding academically.
· Jeffery Eargle is a 10th-12th grade U.S. History teacher at Mid-Carolina High School in the School District of Newberry County. He is National Board Certified and has spent the past eight years involving students in the learning process. Eargle has also been involved with the Peace Corps and the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
· Patti Tate is an English teacher at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill (York) School District Three. Tate has been teaching for 24 years and believes that carrying a “big stick” turns young people away from learning. By getting to know her students as individuals and showing them that she cares, they are given an extra chance to succeed.
The South Carolina Teacher of the Year will be revealed at a banquet on Wednesday, April 27. “In Our Schools” is a series produced by the South Carolina Department of Education and ETV that focuses on positive educational initiatives in our public schools.