Wednesday, November 20 - Educator Appreciation Day
- Ninety-nine percent of our teachers are highly qualified content experts.
- GCS boasts more National Board Certified Teachers (646) than 24 states, and we rank 14th of the nation’s 14,000 school districts for total number of NBCTs.
As part of American Education Week, we honor the certified educators who serve in our schools. Certified educators include classroom teachers, guidance counselors, media specialists, instructional coaches, assistant principals, and principals. They come to school with a desire to make a difference in the lives of the young people. They inspire and engage students, making a positive impact on lives.
Kaitlyn Campbell, Music Teacher - Alexander Elementary/Lake Forest Elementary
It’s music to Kaitlyn Campbell’s ears when students get excited about coming to class at Alexander Elementary School. This third-year teacher and GCS Elementary Emerging Teacher of the Year serves as the music and chorus teacher for Alexander and Lake Forest Elementary. “I am very passionate about music,” she said. “I’ve found that I can express my true emotions, thoughts, and feelings, whether it is performing a concert on stage or something as simple as listening to the radio. My hope is that my students will see my excitement and feel inspired to work hard to achieve their goals and dreams.”
Her passion for music and dedication to her students helped the extraordinary teacher revitalize the music department at Alexander Elementary School. The Alexander Eagle Ensemble performs at public events like the Greenville Christmas parade and in hospitals and nursing homes.
Lindsey Arnold, Agriculture Science Teacher - Bryson Middle
Lindsey Arnold, the GCS Secondary Emerging Teacher of the Year, holds her Agricultural Science students to high standards for involvement, education, and lifelong learning. As the only active middle school agricultural education program in the state, her students have been introduced to archery training, Future Farmers of America leadership ideals, equine evaluation, tool identification, and dairy evaluations.
Lindsey uses a positive approach in rewarding students for doing a good job academically as well as for their many projects around the school and community. Her dedication and numerous contributions have forged strong relationships with parents as well as served to engage students in active learning.
Terri Wheeler-Hawkins, Assistant Principal - Oakview Elementary
Oakview Elementary Assistant Principal Terri Wheeler-Hawkins has served GCS for 20 years, and represents Greenville County Schools as Assistant School Administrator of the Year. She oversees curriculum, instruction and discipline for first, second and fifth graders. In addition, her responsibilities include coordinating bus transportation, yearbook, and a morning tutoring program that pairs younger students with fifth grade mentors to build their reading and writing skills.
“I love spending time with students and being a part of their learning process,” she said. “I think that all children, no matter their background, home situation, or ability, deserve the best education and highest expectations. My rewards are hugs, thanks, and smiles that I am paid with every day.” Mrs. Wheeler-Hawkins is proud to have the opportunity to work with thousands of students and hundreds of teachers over the years.
Erica Scott, Guidance Director - Hillcrest High
School counselors work alongside teachers, parents and administrators to help students develop skills they need to become responsible adults. They help students plan, monitor and manage their own learning, consult with teachers, parents and administrators to meet each student’s needs, provide support to the school’s educational program, and manage activities that enhance the total guidance program.
For Erica Scott, who serves as guidance director at Hillcrest High, the most rewarding part of the job is when she sees students making changes in their lives that directly impact their success. “I enjoy working with students, encouraging them to make better choices and helping them reach their potential,” she said. Erica has served as a classroom math teacher for five years and a counselor for five years.