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Richland One Teacher Named State Teacher of the Year Finalist
Hand Middle School principal Marisa Vickers describes Smith as a pioneer, motivator and risk-taker with an unrelenting mission of improving student academic achievement and creating a love of reading by her students. "Ms. Smith is a visionary with her feet firmly planted in reality," said Vickers. "She is not only a dynamic teacher in a vibrant classroom, but is a believer in the abilities of every student. She blazed the trail for Hand Middle School’s test score improvement." Smith was instrumental in creating an African American Promise initiative to recruit and retain African-American students, particularly males, in accelerated classes. Her rigorous and demanding reading labs produce results. Smith’s enthusiasm and the use of interesting literature and innovative teaching methods helped to raise the reading level of her students. In addition, this tireless employee also helped Hand introduce a seventh-grade single gender class that produced overwhelming success in its first year. Richland One congratulates Smith and all of this year’s finalists for 2009-10 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced at the state Teacher of the Year Celebration May 1 in Columbia. In addition to a $25,000 cash prize, the new Teacher of the Year also receives a Dell computer, and the use of a BMW for a year. For more information please contact the Richland One Office of Communications at 231-7504 or 231-7510. PHOTO CAPTION:
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Hand Middle School English teacher Dywanna Smith has been described as a visionary who delivers results, a continuous learner, and a transformational leader who positively changes students and schools. And now she has a new title to add to that list. In addition to being Richland One’s Teacher of the Year, Smith is now a finalist for 2009-10 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.