White Knoll Elementary Teacher Named The SCEA Teacher of the Month

COLUMBIA, SC  – Laura Hane, a fifth grade teacher at White Knoll Elementary School in Lexington School District One, has been named The South Carolina Education Association’s Teacher of the Month for March.

“She is fun, and, sometimes, instead of using paper and pencil, she does some fun investigations,” student Omatara Kuponiyi wrote on Ms. Hane’s nomination form. “She can be strict, but she is the best teacher anyone can ask for.”

“She looks for a way to make learning fun instead of using boring worksheets,” added student Tara Kuponiyi.

A graduate of Francis Marion University, Ms. Hane has 29 years of experience teaching in elementary schools in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. She has been teaching at White Knoll Elementary since 2004.

“I have spent the last 10 years teaching fifth grade at White Knoll Elementary,” Ms. Hanes said. “Although I have enjoyed all of my teaching assignments, fifth grade is my favorite grade to teach. I feel lucky that I get to spend each day with my fifth graders, who never bore me!”

Ms. Hane has been married for 25 years to Dan Hane, and they have a daughter, Emily, who is 14. The family enjoys the company of their pet gecko and pet cat. “If I could figure out a way to provide a habitat for otters, we would have a couple of those, as they are my favorite animal!” she quipped.

“The SCEA congratulates Ms. Hane on this recognition. Based on the nominations we received, it is clear that her students adore her,” said Bernadette R. Hampton, President of The SCEA. “The relationship she has with her students, and her ability to entertain and engage them, are qualities we love to see in educators.”