Five outstanding teachers named finalists for South Carolina Teacher of the Year

MARION, SC – February 28, 2011 – Five outstanding classroomteachers were named today as finalists in South Carolina’s State Teacherof the Year Program.

State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais said the five teachers werechosen from nominees representing 82 local school districts, theDepartment of Juvenile Justice, the Palmetto Unified School District,the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind and the South CarolinaPublic Charter School District.  They will travel to Columbia next monthfor personal interviews with a seven-member state Selection Committee.All are vying to represent more than 50,000 South Carolina teachers inthe National Teacher of the Year Program.

The finalists, listed alphabetically by school district, are:

• Beth R. Hinson, a biology teacher at Dillon High School in Dillon School District 2.
• D. Craig Andrysczyk (Ann-drA-sack), a fifth-grade mathematics and science teacher at Oak Pointe Elementary School in Lexington/Richland School District 5.
• Annitra Jean Allman, an eighth-grade mathematics teacher at Johnakin Middle School in Marion School District 1.
• Jeffrey C. Eargle, a U.S. history teacher at Mid-Carolina High School in Newberry County.
• Patti J. Tate, an English teacher at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill School District 3.

The finalists were chosen by a panel of educators and private citizenswith no connection to the agency.  The names of the teachers and theschools they represent were concealed from the judges during theselection process.
“I congratulate these teachers,” said State Superintendent of EducationMick Zais.  “The work that they do in the classroom, their leadershipamong their peers and their efforts in the community honor theirprofession and reflect a commitment to improving the lives of our youngpeople.”

The announcement of South Carolina’s 2011-12 Teacher of the Year will bemade at the corporate-sponsored Teacher of the Year celebration April27 in Columbia.  During the next school year, that teacher willparticipate in a one-year residency program at the Center for EducatorRecruitment, Retention and Advancement and serve as a statewideambassador for the profession. 

South Carolina’s new Teacher of the Year also receives a $25,000 cashaward.  The four remaining finalists, or Honor Roll teachers, willreceive $10,000 each, and all district teachers of the year will receive$1,000 each.

This year marks the 46th year of the South Carolina Teacher of the YearProgram, which has grown tremendously in participation and prestige.  The awards program is a nationally recognized event that honors theState Teacher of the Year, Honor Roll teachers and district teachers ofthe year.

Zais said his agency would assist the new Teacher of the Year inpreparing his or her application for the National Teacher of the Yearprogram next fall.  Started in 1952, that program is a project of theCouncil of Chief State School Officers and is sponsored by the INGFoundation.

The 2011-12 State Teacher of the Year will succeed Kelly H. Nalley, a Spanish teacher at Fork Shoals School in Greenville.

The new Teacher of the Year will work with CERRA and the South CarolinaTeacher Forum, whose members are district teachers of the year. Theresidency will include numerous speaking engagements around the statebefore civic and professional groups interested in education. Theteacher also will conduct workshops for other classroom professionals,discuss public education issues with members of the General Assembly andState Board of Education, and work closely with the Teacher CadetProgram that encourages academically able students with exemplaryinterpersonal and leadership skills to consider teaching as a career.

Here are details about the finalists:
 

Beth R. Hinson, biology teacher, Dillon High School, Dillon School District 2

Hinson refers to her last 24 years in the classroom as a “journey ofdiscovery.”  Talented at putting young people at ease, Hinsonappreciates and values the uniqueness and diversity her students bringto the classroom.  Teachers, she says, cannot work independently torefine only their skills. Instead, they must work together – developingnew techniques and sharing knowledge, skills and practices. NationalBoard recertified, Hinson earned a bachelor’s degree from WoffordCollege and a master’s degree from Francis Marion College.

 

 

 
D. Craig Andrysczyk (Ann-drA-sack), fifth-grade mathematics and science teacher, Oak Pointe Elementary School, Lexington/Richland School District 5

 

This 20-year veteran teaches from the back of the room so that he cansee who is struggling and who is ready to move forward.  A teachercadet in high school, Andrysczyk understands that academic success isimportant but also knows the value of fitting into the community.  Amentor, Andrysczyk says that being a great teacher involves more thanteaching great lessons.  He frequently goes out for recess with hisstudents, but never stands and watches them play.  He gets in the gameand makes sure everyone who wants to participate has a chance.  Andrysczyk obtained his undergraduate degree from Columbia InternationalUniversity and his master’s degree from the American College ofEducation. 

 

Annitra Jean Allman, eighth-grade mathematics teacher, Johnakin Middle School, Marion School District 1

 

Allman brings a “down-home” style to her teaching, using “folksy”language and different voices and accents as attention-grabbers.  This34-year veteran knows that it’s not enough to teach a concept well. Shealso must teach students how to store information so that it’s easilyretrieved.  She tries to make difficult content relevant while inspiringstudents to see uses for what they learn. That sometimes means makingher students laugh at a silly rhyme designed to help them remember aprocess.  Allman earned a bachelor’s degree from Francis MarionUniversity and a master’s degree from Cambridge College. 

Jeffrey C. Eargle, U.S. history teacher, Mid-Carolina High School, Newberry County

 

Students in Eargle’s classes are involved in the learning process anddraw their own conclusions as he facilitates lessons. They createmultilayered analytic time lines, engage in discussion via on-linemessage boards, role-play politicia
ns in historical stimulations andproduce original documentaries. They feel comfortable taking risks withtheir thoughts because they know their opinions and beliefs will not bedisparaged or discounted.  Eargle’s life experiences include stints inthe Peace Corps and at the South Carolina Department of SocialServices.  National Board certified, he earned both a bachelor andmaster’s degree from the University of South Carolina. He has taught foreight years.  

 

Patti J. Tate, English teacher, Northwestern High School, Rock Hill School District 3

 

Always carrying a “big stick,” Tate says, turns young people awayfrom learning.  Her students know that she is a person, too.  She sharesinterests and information with them, and they trust her. As a result ofthis reciprocal relationship, they want to learn.  Tate gives them anextra chance to succeed and gets to know them as individuals, showingthem that she cares about their success.  Each day, she works to helpher students think critically and make real-world connections to whatthey are studying.  Tate earned a bachelor’s degree from AppalachianState University and a master’s degree from Converse College.  She isNational Board certified and has 24 years of teaching experience.