Richland One teacher to receive award from the National Education Association
August 24, 2016
Stephanie Johnson, a second-grade teacher at H.B. Rhame Elementary School, is among an elite group of educators described as being “innovators, challengers, and global thinkers” in the classroom.
Johnson is one of 43 educators nationwide who will receive the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence from the National Education Association (NEA) and the NEA Foundation. The award, which recognizes innovative teaching methods, will be presented at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala on February 10, 2017 in Washington, DC.
In honor of her selection, the South Carolina State Board of Education recognized Ms. Johnson at its August 9 meeting.
“By implementing customized lessons and differentiating instruction using technology, I provide students with opportunities to use digital media to communicate and work collaboratively” is how Ms. Johnson described the innovative teaching methods she uses in her classroom. “Teaching for me is a calling. I teach from the heart and truly enjoy being of service to students, parents, and communities.”
The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence honor outstanding teachers dedicated to their profession, as well as to community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity and advocacy for fellow educators.
NEA Foundation awardees also are invited to participate in its Global Learning Fellowship. Fellows learn how to prepare their students for a multicultural world in this comprehensive, year-long professional development program, which includes an international field study next June.
Of these 43 state awardees, five finalists will be announced later this year and receive $10,000 at the gala in February 2017. The nation’s top educator will receive an additional $25,000.
H.B. Rhame Elementary School teacher Stephanie Johnson (third from left) is one of 43 educators nationwide who will receive the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence from the National Education Association (NEA) and the NEA Foundation in February 2017. Pictured at the August board meeting are State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, H.B. Rhame Principal Elizabeth Eason, Stephanie Johnson and Michael Brenan, chair of the State Board of Education.
