BCSD named Dorian Palladino 2016 Rookie Teacher of the Year

Berkeley County School District named St. Stephen Elementary’s Dorian Palladino, a Special Education teacher, as the 2016 Rookie Teacher of the Year on Monday, May 9. The District honored Ms. Palladino and 139 District first-year teachers at the annual PRIDE Celebration at Westview Middle School sponsored by TE21, Kelly Educational Staffing, Jostens, Willis Sanders and Berkeley Electric Cooperative.

“I truly believe my purpose in life is to help others,” Palladino said. “This inner desire to nurture has drawn me to the field of Special Education. In my classroom, there is no such thing as a ‘disability.’ I like to look at it as an ‘obstacle.’ Anyone can overcome obstacles.”

Palladino was named one of three finalists for the District honor in April. The other two finalists for BCSD Rookie Teacher of the Year were Erin Hoskins of Marrington Elementary and Marissa Waldie of Cane Bay Elementary. The Rookie Teacher of the Year Committee observed and interviewed the finalists before announcing its decision Monday. The Committee consisted of community and business leaders, educators and students.

Palladino added, “Teaching picked me. I love it, and it is a calling.”