2019 Excellence in Mathematics Teaching winners announced

October 16, 2019

Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative’s Math Pathways Project Team announced the winners of the “2019 Excellence in Mathematics Teaching” awards at a dinner celebration on Monday, October 14 at Charleston Southern University.

To honor mathematics teachers and administrators who are working tirelessly to train the area’s future work force, TCCC’s Math Pathways Project Team recognized 38 math teaching professional who were nominated by their peers from the four regional school districts. From these nominees, 16 were chosen as the winners and received a trophy and $250 for professional development funding.

The event, sponsored by The Boeing Company and Charleston Southern University, featured Marc Drews, Director of Strategic Partnerships at EdVenture Children’s Museum and a former teacher, as keynote speaker.

“Teacher effectiveness is a key determinant of students’ academic progress, so we are honored to recognize those teachers who are having a strong, positive impact,” said John Cooper, convener of TCCC’s Math Pathways Project Team. “We must continue to find ways to motivate and inspire teachers, especially those who help prepare our students for high-demand professions.”

Mathematics develops a student’s mind to accept, analyze and execute complex ideas. It is built level by level, and mastering math fundamentals in the early grades is the gateway to future coursework. In the tri-county region, 57 percent of third graders met math grade-level standards on the SC READY test in 2018.

“Education is the key to success, and teachers are at the center of it,” said Anita Zucker, CEO of The InterTech Group and chair of the TCCC Board of Directors. “I hope that each teacher who was nominated feels more respected, more passionate and more appreciated. I am proud of and inspired by each one of them.”

“Budget constraints and teacher shortages – particularly for those in STEM subjects – increase pressures on teacher time and severely limit opportunities for sustained professional development. Students benefit, though, when teachers have the tools and resources, they need to supplement math curricula,” said TCCC CEO John C. Read. “We must fund programs and provide time within the school week for continuous learning opportunities that allow educators to advance their skills.”

The 2019 Excellence in Mathematics Teaching award winners and their award categories are
listed below:
Jeremy Osborne (Elementary), Berkeley County School District
Jackie Danko (Middle School), Berkeley County School District
Accalia Bailey (High School), Berkeley County School District
Elizabeth Ball (Professional), Berkeley County School District
Sarah Coleman (Elementary), Charleston County School District
Cathy DeMers (Middle School), Charleston County School District
Jenell Riley (High School), Charleston County School District
Nicholas Reece (Professional), Charleston County School District
Melissa Odom (Elementary), Dorchester School District Two
Ariana Mitchell (Middle School), Dorchester School District Two
Ashley Jacobs (High School), Dorchester School District Two
Dr. Malia Dunn (Professional), Dorchester School District Two
Ivory Howard (Elementary), Dorchester School District Four
Rebecca Steedley (Middle School), Dorchester School District Four
Brittany Wright Sibert (High School), Dorchester School District Four
Nicole Bryant (Professional), Dorchester School District Four

For additional information on the winner and other nominees, please visit: http://tricountycradletocareer.org/2019-excellence-in-mathematics-teaching-winners/

 

About the Math Pathways Project Team

The Math Pathways Project Team (MPPT) was initiated in October of 2015 by Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative’s Postsecondary Education Consortium and High School Graduation Network to open pathways to STEM-related college and career options. MPPT is comprised of representation from the region’s four school districts (Berkeley County, Charleston County, Dorchester District 2 and Dorchester District 4) and colleges and universities across the state (Charleston Southern University, Clemson University, The Citadel, College of Charleston, University of South Carolina and Trident Technical College). Since that date, the team has been engaged in the review and evaluation of the region’s school district math curriculum, the colleges’ and universities’ entry requirements and the readiness of high school students to enter post-secondary education and/or to enter the workforce.

About Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative

Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (TCCC) is a community-wide movement in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, South Carolina, focused on improving the quality of life of its citizens and its workforce through education. Using data and focused community collaboration across a continuum from “cradle-to-career,” TCCC serves as a catalyst for widespread, systemic change, with the ultimate goal of increased success and economic prosperity for all.