Richland One teacher named State Teacher of the Year
April 22, 2016
It is with extreme pleasure and unabashed pride that Richland One congratulates Hand Middle School math teacher Jennifer Wise as South Carolina’s 2016-2017 State Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Celebration on April 20.
As South Carolina’s top teacher, Wise will represent more than 50,000 of her colleagues in the National Teacher of the Year Program. Other rewards include a $25,000 cash prize and the use of a new BMW for a year.
Wise says this award not only honors her, but the thousands of teachers working in classrooms every day.
“Being recognized as the South Carolina Teacher of the Year is such a privilege and honor because I know that I represent teachers throughout the state who are doing wonderful things every day to help our students become not only college- and career-ready but citizen-ready,” said Wise.
She credits her students with being her inspiration, especially when they learn something new. “The light I see in my students’ eyes is unlike any other and to see them understand what they are learning and how it will impact their future…there is no greater inspiration to get me out of bed every day.”
Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon describes Mrs. Wise as a teacher who epitomizes the passion, excellence and dedication of teachers throughout the district. “Jennifer Wise is a shining example of a great teacher. She utilizes highly engaging instructional practices and supportive student and parent interactions. And she is a committed education advocate.” said Dr. Witherspoon. “All of us in Richland One are proud of this awesome accomplishment!”
Hand Principal Jody Davidson commends Mrs. Wise for her hard work, as well as her love for her students and other staff members. “As a member of the Hand and Richland One families, I am honored to have Mrs. Jennifer Wise represent us as South Carolina’s 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year,” said Davidson. “Her intelligence, creativity, and hard work make her classroom a magical place to learn every day, but it is her heart and her love for the students and our community that make her a very special teacher!”
Colleagues describe Wise as a dynamic teacher who firmly believes in the abilities of every student and makes it exciting for her students to go to math class. She considers her students to be her true legacy as an educator.
In addition to the state Teacher of the Year honor, Wise is a finalist for the 2014-2015 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and recently served on a national panel to evaluate academic standards for students with cognitive disabilities. Her love of teaching and mathematics began in high school.
Wise received her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and her Master’s of Education in Secondary Mathematics. She is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program for the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics at the University of South Carolina.
