Ann Marie Taylor

ROCK HILL— Former State Teacher of the Year Ann Marie Taylor has been named to the board of trustees for the prestigious educational foundation Leadership South Carolina, which is one of the oldest and most respected statewide leadership programs.

In 2007, Taylor, a special educator from Kershaw’s Pine Tree Hill Elementary, became the first state teacher of the year to participate in Leadership South Carolina. The yearlong program, which brings together 50 individuals from the statewide community who demonstrate leadership abilities, delves into issues effecting South Carolina’s future. Sessions address issues from natural resources, economy, and education, to health and social issues.

“The most exciting opportunity through Leadership South Carolina has been to bring a teacher voice to table to unite the public education and business communities,” Taylor said. “Improvements to public education are crucial for statewide economic development and the partnerships created through Leadership South Carolina provide experiences for business community members to affect positive change.”

As state teacher of the year Taylor completed a one-year residency with the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) in Rock Hill as is customary for the honoree who receives the state’s highest teaching award. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Jim Rex has made it possible for all future state teachers of the year to participate in the program. The 2009 South Carolina Teacher of the Year, Jenna Hallman, will participate in Leadership South Carolina during her year with CERRA.

Leadership South Carolina was established in 1979 by the Governor’s Office and the South Carolina business community. It is one of the oldest and most respected of the statewide leadership programs. Leadership South Carolina provides gifted and highly motivated South Carolinians an opportunity to advance their leadership qualities while broadening their understanding of issues facing the state.

CERRA, an independent state agency located on the campus of Winthrop University, is the oldest and most established teacher recruitment program in the country. The purpose of CERRA is to provide leadership in identifying, attracting, placing and retaining well-qualified individuals for the teaching profession in South Carolina. CERRA’s programs have been adopted at school, district and state levels in more than 30 states in the United States.