Teacher at James Simons honored as AllStar Educator by national organization
February 10, 2022
Charleston, SC – Sharon Beeson is committed to serving the students and families at James Simons Montessori School, specifically the children in her Upper Elementary class. That commitment led to a national award; she is one of four recipients of the McGraw Hill ALEKS All-Star Educator Award for 2022.
Beeson is one of two honorees at the K-12 level. This awards program recognizes K-12 and higher education instructors who use the ALEKS learning solution to achieve exceptional results through extraordinary effort to help learners succeed.
“In a Montessori environment, we strive to integrate and meet each student’s needs,” explained Beeson. “The ALEKS product allows me to analyze at a granular level how a student is progressing, what specific needs they have, and how they approach problem-solving independently. In a multi-age classroom, I can easily provide reviews on standards and acceleration to fit student needs. The students enjoy sharing their challenges and work with their peers in our lesson to develop strategies; Socratic talk is alive and well!”
McGraw Hill ALEKS® (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) is a course assistant that helps math and chemistry educators forge constructive learning paths for students, blending personalized modules with instructor-driven assignments to ensure every student always has another block to build on their knowledge base. Since all students enter a course with varying levels of preparedness, educators can identify what their students know and don’t know and, from there, ALEKS will deliver customized practice until they understand concepts and standards. To date, ALEKS has helped more than 20 million students at thousands of K–12 schools, colleges, and universities around the world.
“We are proud to recognize these incredible instructors who are using ALEKS in unique and impactful ways and making a difference in their students’ lives,” said Simon Allen, CEO of McGraw Hill. “It’s a joy to read through the nominations and see how educators have adapted and helped their students during a challenging year.”
Beeson uses the program to get a detailed view of her students’ skills and where they need more support. Her students bring two of their favorite ALEKS questions every Monday to discuss as a class.
“Ms. Beeson’s obvious passion for our profession is evident in her daily engagement with students,” added Principal Chris Ryan. “She searches for resources to meet the needs of her students and propel them forward through the curriculum. Given the personalized, independent nature of Montessori, Ms. Beeson feels ALEKS best meets the learning needs of her students as a curriculum supplement.”
Beeson will receive a $1,000 donation from McGraw Hill to an education-focused non-profit or charity of her choice, a $250 gift card, and a collection of McGraw Hill books for professional development.
For more information, contact Chris Ryan at (843) 724-7763.
About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 49,000 students in 88 schools and specialized programs.
CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools. Options include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military.
