Fourteen Lexington-Richland School District Five students have been awarded the prestigious South Carolina Teaching Fellowship.
The 14 students who were selected will receive up to $24,000 in fellowship funds from the program while they complete a degree leading to initial teacher certification.
The students include: Emma Carter (Chapin High, Clemson University), Dawson Coutsos (Chapin High, University of South Carolina- Upstate), Emily Ellis (Spring Hill High, Winthrop University), William Forrester (Chapin High, University of South Carolina), Reese Jernigan (Dutch Fork High, Clemson University), Rachel Johnson (Dutch Fork High, University of
South Carolina), Reece Mack (Chapin High, College of Charleston), Kiley McGee
(Chapin High, Charleston Southern University), Mary Reynolds (Chapin High, University
of South Carolina), Ella Riley (Spring Hill High, College of Charleston), Allison Strenk (Chapin High, University of South Carolina), Caroline Summers (Chapin High, College of Charleston) and Ethan White (Spring Hill High, Clemson University).
Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment programs at Teaching Fellows Institutions, have additional professional development opportunities, and are involved with communities and businesses throughout the state.
“We are so proud of our seniors who have earned this prestigious recognition and opportunity, and we are thankful for all of our wonderful teachers and families who helped influence their decision to pursue a degree in education,” said School District Five Chief of Academics and Administration Officer Anna Miller. “These students are shining examples of why the Teaching Fellows program was created– to recruit the best and brightest to the teaching profession and to continue to develop and enhance their leadership abilities. We are excited to recognize them now, to watch and encourage them in their years of coursework and preparation, and we look forward to welcoming them into the profession (hopefully back home in D5) in a few years.”
The state’s Teaching Fellows Program, operated by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA), was established in 1999 by the S.C. General Assembly. The mission of the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and help them develop leadership qualities. A Fellow agrees to teach in a South Carolina public school one year, for every year he/she receives the Fellowship.
Applicants for the program undergo a rigorous selection process that includes an online application, an interview and presentation in front of a team of three educators, and a scored response. The application emphasizes academic accomplishment, school/community service and/or work experience, and leadership skills.
