2022 South Carolina Honor Roll Teachers
Each year South Carolina selects five finalists for State Teacher of the Year. These finalists are interviewed and videotaped as part of the final selection process. Their contributions are celebrated at the South Carolina Teacher of the Year Banquet. Honor Roll Teachers work closely with the SC Teacher of the Year to promote teacher leadership and advocacy throughout the year. Get to know this year's finalists by watching the videos below.
Angelica Childes - Greenville County
Angelica Childes is a fourth grade teacher with the School District of Greenville County Virtual Program. Prior to that, she taught third grade students at Summit Drive Elementary School. Childes received a bachelors in Elementary Education from Clemson University, and a masters in Educational Administration from Lamar University.
“Mrs. Childes enjoys sharing with her students that her first year as a teacher was a disaster, but instead of becoming discouraged, it caused her to strengthen her commitment and effort focusing on her goal to one day be Teacher of the Year. That focus and resolve are hallmarks of her dedication to students and the profession,” GCS superintendent Dr. W. Burke Royster said.
While in school, Angelica spent her summers volunteer teaching in Uganda. This experience gave her a worldwide perspective of the spectrum of educational inequality, and she gained a conviction that through teaching she could become a catalyst for change. Her mission began in New Orleans, Louisiana where she taught with Teach For America. At her school, Angelica created an initiative that connected every classroom with an international class, a partnership that improved the climate and culture at her school. In addition to teaching, Angelica contributes to the profession as a curriculum writer, cooperating teacher for pre-service teachers, mentor for new teachers, peer evaluator for second year teachers, and by leading district-wide professional development sessions.
“Mrs. Childes enjoys sharing with her students that her first year as a teacher was a disaster, but instead of becoming discouraged, it caused her to strengthen her commitment and effort focusing on her goal to one day be Teacher of the Year. That focus and resolve are hallmarks of her dedication to students and the profession,” GCS superintendent Dr. W. Burke Royster said.
While in school, Angelica spent her summers volunteer teaching in Uganda. This experience gave her a worldwide perspective of the spectrum of educational inequality, and she gained a conviction that through teaching she could become a catalyst for change. Her mission began in New Orleans, Louisiana where she taught with Teach For America. At her school, Angelica created an initiative that connected every classroom with an international class, a partnership that improved the climate and culture at her school. In addition to teaching, Angelica contributes to the profession as a curriculum writer, cooperating teacher for pre-service teachers, mentor for new teachers, peer evaluator for second year teachers, and by leading district-wide professional development sessions.
Elizabeth Hendrick - Horry County
"Elizabeth “Beth” Hendrick has been teaching in Horry County Schools since 2012, serving as a teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for the last seven years," said Horry County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rick Maxey. "As a former Teacher Cadet, Beth Hendrick knew early on that it was her destiny to become a teacher and make a difference in the lives of students. Her passion for teaching English language learners is evident, as she helps her students break through the language barrier and build positive relationships in the classroom, the school, and the community. Beth is a servant leader who is devoted to the teaching profession and feels she has fulfilled her purpose when her students who have struggled the most break through and become successful. We are thrilled that Beth has received this well-deserved recognition for her dedication to teaching and serving students."
During her first year of teaching, Beth served as a volunteer at a bilingual mission school in Honduras. Ten years later, she continues to excel in helping multilingual learners surpass growth targets. Beth is a teacher leader who supports teachers throughout the district by providing district-level professional development and creating district-wide curriculum resources. Understanding the value of a positive school culture, she implemented school-wide professional learning groups, serves as the Spanish interpreter for her school, and is a member of the School Improvement Council.
During her first year of teaching, Beth served as a volunteer at a bilingual mission school in Honduras. Ten years later, she continues to excel in helping multilingual learners surpass growth targets. Beth is a teacher leader who supports teachers throughout the district by providing district-level professional development and creating district-wide curriculum resources. Understanding the value of a positive school culture, she implemented school-wide professional learning groups, serves as the Spanish interpreter for her school, and is a member of the School Improvement Council.
Jenny Proctor - Kershaw County
Jenny Proctor is a ninth through twelfth journalism teacher at Lugoff-Elgin High School in Kershaw County School District. She earned a bachelor's in English Literature from Presbyterian College and is currently working toward her master's in Teacher Leadership through the American College of Education. Jenny is National Board Certified in Career and Technical Education.
"Jenny Proctor is the epitome of a master teacher," said Kershaw County School District Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins. "She provides a learning environment where students are successful in the classroom and spends countless hours to ensure excellence with her school's yearbook. Her positive attitude, caring nature and genuine spirit make her an incredible educator."
During her 18 years in the classroom, Jenny has received numerous awards, including the University of South Carolina School of Journalism's Elizabeth B. Dickey Distinguished Service Award and the Shoquist Freedom of the Press Award, both sponsored by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. She often shares her expertise by serving as a workshop instructor, session presenter, and adviser mentor for various scholastic journalism organizations. Under her supervision, two of her students have been named as journalists of the year and her yearbook staff has won the Palmetto Award seven times. Jenny views her ability to affect her students' lives by helping them become more comfortable with who they are, while developing within them an appreciation for the diversity around them, as her greatest accomplishment in teaching.
"Jenny Proctor is the epitome of a master teacher," said Kershaw County School District Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins. "She provides a learning environment where students are successful in the classroom and spends countless hours to ensure excellence with her school's yearbook. Her positive attitude, caring nature and genuine spirit make her an incredible educator."
During her 18 years in the classroom, Jenny has received numerous awards, including the University of South Carolina School of Journalism's Elizabeth B. Dickey Distinguished Service Award and the Shoquist Freedom of the Press Award, both sponsored by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. She often shares her expertise by serving as a workshop instructor, session presenter, and adviser mentor for various scholastic journalism organizations. Under her supervision, two of her students have been named as journalists of the year and her yearbook staff has won the Palmetto Award seven times. Jenny views her ability to affect her students' lives by helping them become more comfortable with who they are, while developing within them an appreciation for the diversity around them, as her greatest accomplishment in teaching.
Dani Stroud - Lexington County District 1
Dani grew up thinking she was going to be a doctor, but it turns out, her calling to impact the lives of others was meant to be inside the classroom," said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. "She is a model educator who inspires her students to think beyond the classroom as she prepares them for the next step after graduation."
Dani Stroud is a science teacher at Gilbert High School in Lexington County School District One. She received a bachelors in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the College of Charleston, and a masters in Teaching Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. She currently teaches science courses to students in grades ninth through twelfth, including Unified Science, a course that partners special needs and traditional students.
“Dani Stroud approaches each day with an understanding that teaching is both a science and an art. As she teaches, she examines what worked yesterday and makes changes, when needed, to improve student outcomes," said Lexington County School District One Superintendent Dr. Greg Little. "As she encourages her students to look at the world through those same eyes, the eyes of a scientist, she teaches them to use logic and evidence to make decisions. Yet, she is still a compassionate, intelligent, and devoted teacher, who believes all students deserve to have someone believe in them, nurture their talents and give them the space to be heard and valued.”
Dani Stroud is a science teacher at Gilbert High School in Lexington County School District One. She received a bachelors in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the College of Charleston, and a masters in Teaching Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. She currently teaches science courses to students in grades ninth through twelfth, including Unified Science, a course that partners special needs and traditional students.
“Dani Stroud approaches each day with an understanding that teaching is both a science and an art. As she teaches, she examines what worked yesterday and makes changes, when needed, to improve student outcomes," said Lexington County School District One Superintendent Dr. Greg Little. "As she encourages her students to look at the world through those same eyes, the eyes of a scientist, she teaches them to use logic and evidence to make decisions. Yet, she is still a compassionate, intelligent, and devoted teacher, who believes all students deserve to have someone believe in them, nurture their talents and give them the space to be heard and valued.”
