Teachers are role models who invest their time in our children; whether it’s a lively GOOD MORNING when kids arrive, fervent instruction or time after class to answer questions. Our teachers are investing their lives in the future of America. From kindergarten through graduation teachers display creativity and flexibility, adjusting to each child’s unique situation. This is not opinion or empty platitudes, I’ve seen it time and again in our schools. May 1-5 is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and it’s a good time to reflect on the wealth of excellence found in our 1,088 Pickens County teachers.

Teaching isn’t just another job, it’s a calling to help another generation understand our truths and values. It is estimated that teachers make over 3000 critical decisions daily. Each one can uplift a child or break the spirit. Pickens county is blessed with 1088 caring teachers who lift spirits.

We’re proud of all our teachers and many have been recognized as leaders in their field. Tim Johnson, the 2017 Teacher of the Year, and Anna Bross, who was recently the first teacher to be given the School District of Pickens County Outstanding First Year Teacher award are a couple of example of internal awards. Additionally, many are reaping accolades from outside our district as well. Five teachers—Janie Collins, Steve Gilstrap, Alyson Taylor, Elaine Newberry, and Kristen Gilstrap—have been spotlighted by WYFF as Golden Apple Award winners just this year. April Christopher of East End Elementary was named one of 10 Educators who Make a Difference in Upstate Parent Magazine.

Some of our teachers are even catching positive attention on national and international levels. Debra Harris, the lead STEM teacher at West End Elementary, was one of only 40 teachers worldwide to earn the prestigious Teacher Excellence Award from the International Technology and Engineering Educator Association. And Tracy Todd, a Social Studies Teacher at Easley High School, is a finalist for the High School Student Council Adviser of the Year award from the National Association of Student Councils.

This list is representative of the great work our teachers do, but not all-inclusive. As a school board, it is our responsibility to ensure that we hire great teachers like these, reward them when they succeed, and keep them in Pickens County classrooms. When I joined the board in 2014, pay for Pickens County teachers was 46th out of 81 South Carolina school districts. Today it ranks 27th and the Board is unified in pursuit of attracting and retaining the very best teachers, and providing them with the resources they need.

Without raising taxes, the board has not only corrected long-standing teacher pay gaps, but also approved increases in technology and other classroom needs so our teachers have what they need to succeed. Our teachers have responded to the faith we place in them with a continued record of high academic achievement and a steadily climbing graduation rate. They also continue to make a difference in thousands of lives in ways that can’t be measured on a test, and that can’t be rewarded through money alone.

Since joining the School Board, I’ve spent a great deal of time in our schools. Teachers arrive early and stay late. They grade papers and provide in person and online help for students after hours. They coach, stand in cold and rainy car lines, and work ball field concessions. They seek professional development and hone their skills on their own time. In a nutshell, they unselfishly serve our community and seek excellence for themselves and our children. On behalf of the Pickens County School Board, I thank every teacher for their dedication to the future of America. I hope you will too.

Phillip Bowers

Chairman

Pickens County School Board