Greenville County Schools Names Two Emerging Teachers of the Year
Awards Presented by Greenville Federal Credit Union
In addition to naming Adam Scheuch, band director at Mauldin High School the 2014-15 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year, Superintendent W. Burke Royster today announced two Emerging Teachers of the Year.
Ashley Bentley, fifth grade teacher at Greenbrier Elementary School, was named the Elementary Level Emerging Teacher of the Year, while Jessica Richardson, Spanish teacher at Travelers Rest High School was named Secondary Level Emerging Teacher of the Year.
The Emerging Teachers of the Year Program, sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union, recognizes two second or third year teachers for outstanding performance. Each winner receives $500, a crystal award, and $500 for their school.
Elementary Level
Ashley Bentley, Fifth Grade, Greenbrier Elementary
In her fifth grade classroom at Greenbrier Elementary, Ashley Bentley uses technology to motivate her students and to track their progress. She believes in hands-on, discovery-based instruction, using the classroom for whole class instruction as well as group discovery simulations. Ms. Bentley reclaimed the science lab during her first year, helping clean and organize the lab while providing the necessary supplies for all fifth graders to engage in discovery learning. Ms. Bentley’s science classroom encompasses not only the physical classroom space, but virtual learning and outdoor space as well.
Secondary Level
Jessica Richardson, Spanish, Travelers Rest High School
Travelers Rest High Spanish teacher Jessica Richardson meets the challenges of education in today’s classroom with determination and skill. Students connect to Ms. Richardson with respect, personal commitment, and caring. She uses technology effectively to help fill the gaps between the culture of her students and those of other countries. In addition to her role as a Spanish teacher, she assists with the robotics team, Beta Club, and Faculty Council, even volunteering to sell tickets at athletic events.