SCCPSS graduations last week were extra special for eleven of the district's high school teachers. That's because for the third year, the Educate Chatham Foundation awarded grants to one teacher from each high school to further their work in the classroom. The educators, selected by the senior class at each of the public high schools as the “most inspirational," were awarded $500 each.
The following Savannah-Chatham County Public School teachers were recognized:
· Leilani Allen (Jenkins)
· Kathryn Ryan (Woodville Tompkins)
· Carter Hubbard (Islands)
· Lauren Fuquea (Windsor Forest)
· Paris Viens (New Hampstead)
· Brian Wilborn (Johnson)
· Vernon Wright (Savannah High)
· Janet McCray (Early College)
· Teorna Sapp-Thomas (Groves)
· NaKeith Phillips (Beach)
· Meghan Scoggins (Savannah Arts)
Some of the teachers shared their thoughts on what being named their school's “Class of 2019 Most Inspirational Teacher" means to them:
“This award makes me feel that my students appreciate my instructional style in the classroom, which can be a bit unconventional. I try to connect with students the way I prefer to connect with everyone-authentically. The curriculum will never be more important than them."
Janet McCray
Savannah Early College
“This award means the world to me, not only because I was chosen from a group of extremely talented and worthy teachers at Woodville Tompkins, but because I was chosen by the students. As a teacher you wonder if you are getting through to the students or making some kind of impression on them. Most teachers will never know. Now, thanks to this award, I know that I'm doing something right."
Kathryn Ryan
Math Teacher
Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School
“The class of 2019 was fun and surprising and getting this award from them was the Best Feeling Ever."
Leilani Allen
Jenkins High School
“Needless to say, I was totally shocked when Mrs. Coursey called out my name as the “Most Inspirational Teacher". I am very grateful to the 2019 Islands High School Senior Class for this award. As a teacher, you are always very excited when you “see" the light bulb flash over a student's head who was struggling with a concept. They finally “get it". This award means to me that my students in this year's Senior Class, not only “got it" academically but also absorbed some of the life lessons that I try to teach all of my students. I begin each of my classes every year telling my students; “Life and High School are just like any game, you learn the rules, you play by the rules, and everybody Wins". Again, Thank You to the 2019 IHS Senior Class for honoring me with this Award. Islands High School is adopting the new “Physics First" curriculum. I plan on using my Award Grant to help fund some of the needed Lab Kits for the new program."
Carter Hubbard
Islands High School
"I began my journey at New Hampstead 4 years ago
with some amazing students who recently graduated, and who voted me as the 2019
“Most Inspirational Teacher”. Realistically, I can’t truly express what
this means to me. I am shocked, humbled, and moved by their gesture.
So, thank you to the 2019 Senior class."
Paris Viens
New Hampstead High School
ABOUT EDUCATE CHATHAM FOUNDATION:
More than 38,000 students with diverse backgrounds are served by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. With a dedicated community and talented employees, our children receive exceptional educational opportunities that are preparing them to embrace the future and fulfill their dreams. The nonprofit Educate Chatham Foundation enables individuals and organizations to support extraordinary student achievement at all levels in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System through tax-deductible donations. With your help, we have the potential to unite our community in support of children's education, linking generations of alumni, community leaders and businesses in establishing a legacy of support and commitment to the continued success of the thousands of children who attend Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.
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