Three finalists announced for 2017 BCSD Rookie Teacher of the Year

The Rookie Teacher of the Year Committee for Berkeley County School District (BCSD) has narrowed its list of candidates for district Rookie Teacher of the Year to just three. The finalists – listed in alphabetical order by school – are: Megan Verner, Special Education teacher at Devon Forest Elementary; Justin Lowe, Physical Education teacher at Goose Creek Primary; and Joshua Watts, Grades 9-12 World History and Geography teacher at Timberland High.

The 2017 Rookie Teacher of the Year will be announced on May 11 during the annual PRIDE Celebration, sponsored by TE21, Kelly Educational Staffing, and Jostens at Westview Middle School from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Megan Verner, Justin Lowe and Joshua Watts

The principals of the schools of the three finalists included the following accolades in their letters of endorsement for these educators:

• Devon Forest Elementary – Megan Verner: Principal Mitchum said, “Megan works tirelessly to make sure she is meeting the needs of each student, academically, and socially. She is seen as a leader in her specialized classroom by our district’s Office of Special Services. Most of all, Megan is an advocate for her students. She wants what is in each child’s best interest.” Mitchum added, “I can’t even imagine having anyone else in this room as the teacher. Her positive and determined personality has made the most amazing setting for her students at Devon Forest Elementary.”
• Goose Creek Primary – Justin Lowe: Principal Kathy Sullivan said, “Mr. Lowe is a wonderful role model for our students and demonstrates consideration, perseverance, and respect to all he comes in contact with. In fact, it’s his perseverance that eventually, after much hard work, got him into teaching.” Sullivan went on to say, “From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Lowe served in the United States Air Force enforcing safety and traffic laws for the base populace. He also was stationed overseas in multiple locations. Justin feels he was ‘called to teach.’ He says he chose physical education as his platform because he knew that’s where he could best relate to kids. He feels that as a physical education teacher, he is in a unique position to help raise awareness for campaigns such as Drink More Water and Jump Rope for Heart.”
• Timberland High – Joshua Watts: Principal Kerry Daugherty said, “Mr. Watts demonstrates a positive ‘can do’ attitude in every situation. This coupled with his natural ability to create meaningful relationships has enabled him to provide an instructional atmosphere where learning is at the heart of everything that he does. Whether promoting higher level thinking skills during instruction or teaching literacy skills during Wolf Time, Mr. Watts models professional demeanor and behavior.”

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as the Berkeley County School District 2015-16 Rookie Teacher of the Year,” said Dorian Palladino. “This experience has been surreal and I truly feel blessed. Teaching is a calling and a driving force embedded deep in my soul. I would like to send another thank you to the district and my administration for recognizing my passion.” Palladino went on to say, “I have received nothing but encouragement and support in all my teaching endeavors. Our finalists are truly special, and I am beyond excited to ‘pass the torch’ to one of these amazing teachers. I am confident that each will make Berkeley County proud!”

Rookie Teachers of the Year are nominated by their school principals based on the following criteria:

• Conducting effective instructional planning to meet the needs of all students
• Providing and facilitating quality instruction
• Organizing and implementing a culture of learning in the classroom
• Managing student behavior and classroom events
• Developing effective relationships with students, parents/guardians and peers
• Modeling professional demeanor and behavior
• Serving as an advocate for students and public education as a whole

Each school-level winner completes an application and submits it with a nomination form from the teacher’s principal, and a recommendation letter from the teacher’s school-based mentor to a committee consisting of a principal, a second year teacher, a member of the BCSD Teacher Forum, a member of the BCSD Office of Leadership, Development, and Evaluation, a retired teacher, and a business partner. The committee reviews this information and selects the finalists, and ultimately the Rookie Teacher of the Year.