Berkeley County Schools’ Teacher of the Year

MONCKS CORNER, SC – Amanda Cromer is Berkeley County School District’s 2015 Teacher of the Year.

“I am so honored to be recognized with all of the teachers in this room. I feel very special to be up here representing Berkeley County…I have to thank my students. They are very inspirational to me. I’m allowed to share my life with them as I help them further their lives academically, educationally and as people. I think it is incredibly important to remember that not only are we educators, but we are a support team for the kids who come to us. Sometimes we are the only support they have and we have the power to shape them.” Cromer said.

The announcement was given this morning during the 38^th Annual Teacher of the Year Awards ceremony at the Main Campus of Trident Technical College. The ceremony was hosted by the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by both Santee Cooper and Trident Technical College.

Amanda Cromer has been a teacher for nine years and currently teaches ninth grade English at Hanahan High School. She is a nationally certified teacher, a Freshman Academy Lead Teacher, the Renaissance Club Co-Sponsor, the Miss Hanahan Pageant Co-Coordinator and ADEPT Advisor for the Citadel and College of Charleston. Cromer also is an Assistant Coordinator at Camp Wildwood, a leadership camp for high school students. She is a member of East Cooper Baptist Church, a Crossfit Wando Associate, a volunteer for various charity 5K races and a volunteer at Deer Park Child Development Center

Lauren Reeder, Berkeley County School District’s 2014 Teacher of the Year described her experience observing Cromer in the classroom.

“Amanda is highly passionate and knowledgeable about what she teaches. She creates an environment of trust and respect in her classroom.”

The Berkeley County Teacher of the Year is chosen by a committee of individuals that include a Legacy Legend, a former Teacher of the Year, a former Honor Roll Teacher, a retired administrator, a business representative and a teaching fellow from the College of Charleston. The committee reviews information about 41 teachers in the district and decides on the top eight, top five semifinalists, top three finalists and finally, the district Teacher of the Year. To decide whom the Teacher of the Year will be, the committee visits the top three teachers in the school setting to observe them. After visiting the top three, the committee discusses their observations and chooses the Teacher of the Year the same day.

Cromer will serve as the 2015-2016 Teacher Forum Vice Chairperson and will represent the district at various functions throughout the district.