We are excited to introduce a new selection process that will be much easier for everyone involved but will still help us identify outstanding educators!
To nominate a teacher at your school for Teacher of the Year, just click HERE and tell us (in 200 words or less): "What makes this person an exceptional educator?"
That's it!
Once the nominations are turned in, each school will vote and select the Teacher of the Year!
Each School Teacher of the Year will receive $250 and will serve as a key advisor on the Superintendent's Teacher Cabinet. They will go on to compete for the title of "District Teacher of the Year" and the $2000in prize money ($1,000 from the State, $500/year for 2 years from DCSD).
School Teachers of the Year have very limited district responsibilities. We ask schools to please limit the extra duties assigned to the School Teacher of the Year. School Teachers of the Year serve on the Superintendent's Cabinet, acting as key advisors to the superintendent on educator and school matters. The meetings are quarterly. The Teachers of the Year oversee the monthly Teacher Feature program and attend quarterly Teacher of the Year events. School Teachers of the Year will receive a $250 stipend.
Eligible educators requirements:
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A candidate for Teacher of the Year is a classroom teacher in a public pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, elementary, middle, or secondary school. This includes all subject area teachers, vocational teachers, school librarians, school counselors, curriculum resource teachers, teacher specialists, speech-language pathologists, and lead teachers who are planning to continue in an active teaching status. Active teaching status means that the teacher is planning to continue teaching (e.g. not retiring or moving into an administrative position the following year).
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The candidate must be a continuing-contract teacher and have direct contact with students a minimum of three hours a day, on average.
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Nominees must hold a valid South Carolina teaching certificate, with the exception of ROTC teachers who must be qualified by the appropriate area of service.
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The candidate should not have been a Teacher of the Year for the past two years (2019-20 and 2020-21) in any DCSD school.
Additionally, the Teacher of the Year should
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collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success;
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connect the classroom and key community stakeholders to foster a strong community at large.
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devote time and energy to activities, which result in improved instruction for all children, and guide students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence.
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demonstrate a desire to keep abreast of current instructional best practices through continued professional development.
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demonstrate the ability and willingness to contribute to the field of education by conducting seminars, workshops, and being involved in training and assisting fellow teachers in their professional development.
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be of good moral character. The individual must not have previously engaged, nor will engage, in any activities, which, if disclosed to the public, would bring them, the Teacher of the Year Program, or the Darlington County School District into disrepute, ridicule, or contempt. This includes, but is not limited to, any type of illegal drug use, illegal behavior or activity, felony conviction, probation or misdemeanor, which involves moral turpitude, nude, lewd, or lascivious media, as well as postings on social media.