Page 10 - August 2019

Teacher of the Year: What it Takes to be a Top Teacher

"G reat teachers have three loves," committee seeks "to celebrate the profession behalf of these educators. Candidates are

of teaching; develop leadership among
according to writer and author
asked to compete an application including
submission of 8 written essays and three
Scott Hayden, "love of learning,
teachers; provide teachers a collaborative
love of learners, and the love of
bringing the first two together." voice in educational issues; and to use our letters of recommendation. "The process is
professional knowledge and passion to
about professional accountability," explains
And, so it is for the 34 Beaufort County create a positive environment of growth." Casper, adding that teacher's strengths as
School District's (BCSD) 2019-2020 Teacher "We want to recognize professionals who well as teaching philosphy are among the
of the Year award. spend their hours and days with students," criteria evaluated.
Nominated by their peers, teachers are says Casper. "This includes teachers, The blind application process is scored
recognized as "leaders in their schools" specialists, coaches, and ROTC leaders," for by a selection committee consisting of 5-7
explains Teacher of the Year Liaison and example. "Those who receive the honor are community members representing various
BCSD Community Services Coordinator recognized for their commitment and service service organizations, churches, etc. who
Cristin Casper and undergo a rigorous multi- to their schools and are willing to share their bring their "different perspectives about
step application and evaluation process. leadership abilities with other teachers." teaching and education," adds Casper.
"It's not a popularity contest," says Casper, The annual application process which From there, five candidates are selected
"but a way to acknowledge the best of the begins in the spring is open to teachers of to move on as finalists for the District Teacher
best who will then represent their schools as all grade levels and ultimately leads to just of the Year award which involves video
members of the district's Teacher Forum." one teacher being named as the Beaufort recorded observation of a classroom lesson
The Forum consists of an Advisory County School District Teacher of Year. This and an in-person, in-depth interview with
Council of all BCSD District Teacher of individual then goes on to apply for the another committee of 5-7 individuals.
the Year Top 5 finalists from the past three South Carolina Teacher of the Year award "We're seeking someone who can
years together with those who received presented by the South Carolina Department represent our school district in the community
the school-based honor who serve on the of Education in Columbia, SC. and at the state level," says Casper, "so it's
Forum for a two year-term. According Once nominated at the school level, the important that the individual be a strong
to the Forum's mission statement, the award process itself takes commitment on presenter." In fact, the district provides a
10 August 2019 | www.BeaufortLifestyle.com