Richland Two Educator To Receive National Recognition for Teaching Excellence
June 30, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – Terri Butts, a second grade teacher at Bridge Creek Elementary School, will receive the 2015 California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence. She is among 39 public educators nationwide and the only one from South Carolina who will be honored at the National Education Association Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in Washington, DC on February 13, 2015.
Butts says she is honored and was completely overwhelmed when she learned about the award. “My nomination would not have been possible without the support of the South Carolina Education Association, Richland School District Two, my colleagues, parents and students at Bridge Creek Elementary School and of course my family,” said Butts. “My hope is that I have many opportunities to share my passion for teaching and learning, and the message that every child deserves to attend a great public school.”
This is one of education’s most prestigious awards, according to Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “We give these awards annually to honor and promote excellence in education and to elevate the profession. Educators like these are critical to their students’ academic success, and they deserve national recognition.” said Sanford.
Each educator’s school will receive a $650 award. From the 39 state awardees, five finalists will be selected to receive $10,000 cash awards. One finalist will be named the nation’s top educator and receive an additional $25,000 at the conclusion of the gala. The NEA Foundation and the National Education Association jointly present the awards.
