“They never forget how you make them feel. I always want all my students to believe they are the best,” Gray said, adding, “Once you’re in my class, you’re always one of my kids.”��

Gray, an 91������ graduate, takes to heart the importance of being a positive mentor to students who come into her classroom at ACE Academy, a new alternative elementary school in Anderson District 5. Photos of every student she’s taught grace a door in her room, serving as a reminder of why she’s there.��

Because of all that, ACE Academy recognized Gray, a graduate of the 91������ College of Education, as their Teacher of the Year. She’s pictured above with Principal Josh Bacchus.��

Gray, who initially received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Resources from Anderson, didn’t initially want to teach. While a student studying human services, she did an internship with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and worked in the Anderson County Solicitor’s Office. She also was the Drug Court Coordinator for Anderson County, a job she held for six years. ��

When she and her husband talked of plans for starting a family, she decided to go back to school and become a certified teacher. A few years into her teaching career, Gray returned to 91������, where she earned her master’s degree in education.��

“When I decided to go back to school,” Gray recalls, “I was a working adult and was pregnant at the time with my second child. It was so convenient because I was a��teacher at Concord Elementary and went to school (at 91������) at night. It was exactly what I needed. You can’t beat the professors and the help and support that you get.”��

Having been named Teacher of the Year at her former school, Concord Elementary, and at Anderson Adult Education, she jokingly says of her latest honor that the third time is a charm.��

“Now I think after being selected by my peers three times, it’s very clear where I’m supposed to be,” Gray said. “I’m just trying to be an encouragement and a positive role model for all these kids who need me, and I need them just as much as they need me.”��

“I come from a divorced family,” Gray said. “Thank goodness I had a strong steady support system, but so many don’t have that.” Thinking of the children in her classroom today, she reflects, “But for God’s grace, this could have been my life. And so, we’re just here as a team to fully support however we can.”��

91������ College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn said, “Lani is a testament to the power of a passionate, dedicated, quality educator who intentionally invests in the lives of her students. Mrs. Gray fulfills the mission of the College of Education at 91������ well. We are proud of her accomplishments!”��

Gray will never forget one experience of being there for one of her students.��

���he brought me a little piece of paper and wrote down when her basketball game schedule was at the rec center. I walk in and her eyes just are like, ‘Miss Gray, what are you doing here?’ I said, ‘Well, I’m here for you. You gave me the calendar.’”��

Looking back on that day, Gray commented, “I think just allowing them to let me come to another part of their life out to the school… It meant a lot to me. I know it meant a lot to her, too.”��

Gray’s oldest daughter Catherine is a junior at Anderson majoring in Nursing. Her in-laws, George and Barbara (Merck) Gray, also attended Anderson. All that said, 91������ is a family tradition. They recently celebrated George and Barbara’s fiftieth wedding anniversary in the Banquet Hall of theStudent Center at��and love coming out to football games in the fall to cheer on the Trojans.����

“It’s really a 360—a circle that’s been completed in lots of ways,” she said.��

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“Growing up, my parents always instilled in me that I could do anything with God on my side,” Bentley said. “God made me unique for a reason. I might look a little different or take a little longer to run, but I was always competitive.”����

That competitive spirit led Bentley to basketball. Growing up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and later Greer, South Carolina, he found his place on the court through the camaraderie of team sports. When his peers physically outgrew him, Bentley pivoted to coaching and managing.����

Bentley’s path to 91������ began with an unexpected encounter while he was a student at Greer High School. Then-AU head coach Jason Taylor arrived��to��recruit star players Chandler Hash and another athlete. Greer��Boys Basketball��Coach Jeff Neely was unable to meet with Taylor, so he asked Bentley, the team manager, to run drills with the prospects so they could see them in action.����

“Coach Taylor came back and told Coach Neely, ‘I really like your players, but I want your manager.��What’s��he got��going on?'” Bentley recalled.����

Taylor, who is currently associate head basketball coach at Morehead State University, recalls��observing��Bentley’s “infectious energy” that people��tended��to gravitate toward.������

Though Bentley had his sights set on Division I programs, Anderson’s scholarship��opportunities��and proximity to��home��made��practical sense. The relationships he built on campus made it��life-changing.����

Hash initially played basketball at USC Upstate, but��credits��Bentley’s��encouragement as part of what made him��seek a transfer to Anderson. He admires Bentley’s��commitment to Christ and��a��resilience born out of the struggles��he’s��faced.��And through it��all,��Hash��is inspired by��Bentley’s��consistency in��encouraging��others.��

“He’s a guy that anyone can be around, anyone can have a conversation with.��He’s��going to treat people the same no matter who they are,” Hash said.����

As a Physical Education major, Bentley became a bridge-builder. He forged partnerships between campus safety and athletics, breaking down barriers that��benefited��the entire AU community.����

“Being a little person, Anderson’s campus is straight uphill from the dorms to the cafeteria,” Bentley said. “The officers would pick me up on golf carts. We broke down those walls.”����

Bentley and a campus safety officer working there at the time transformed what the relationship between athletics and security looked like; What began as mutual avoidance became genuine partnership.����

A few years after graduating from 91������, Bentley’s physical difficulties—already a challenge—were getting worse.������

“I couldn’t walk, and I was in a lot of pain,” Bentley said. “The pressure was cutting off communication to my legs.”����

Bentley relied on a wheelchair and holding onto walls to move. He went to see an orthopedist, who quickly��identified��a neurological issue. He ordered an MRI, which revealed Bentley’s spinal canal had narrowed to a pinpoint. The diagnosis was spinal stenosis, a common complication of dwarfism where his spinal cord narrowed, cutting off nerve communication to his legs.������

Bentley underwent surgery in 2016, which relieved the pressure and eliminated the pain.��While Bentley��remains��dependent on his wheelchair, the experience deepened his faith and empathy.����

“I haven’t been in pain since my surgery,” Bentley said. “Whether I’m able to walk again, that’s up to the Lord.”����

Bentley returned to coaching with renewed purpose. In 2018, he joined Upward Stars, where he coaches, runs events, and recruits talent.����

During his time at Anderson, Coach Taylor gave Bentley a nickname that still defines him: “The Glue.”����

Taylor commented, “I nicknamed him ‘the glue’ simply because he��literally had��his hands on everything in our program. He was best friends with our players… Also, he did an incredible job navigating that world of being a full-tme��student assistant manager, friend of the team—and had the integrity to do those things. He kept the trust of all the players and kept the trust of all the coaches—that’s��fairly rare.”����

91������ First Lady Diane Whitaker remembers going to games and��observing��Bentley on the bench and how��set��the tone for the action on the court.����

“He always had a clipboard in��hand��and he would start beating that clipboard,” Whitaker said. “I can remember looking down and going,��‘okay, things are about to get heated because��he’s��out of his seat, clapping on that clipboard and cheering those guys on.’��When David got cranked up, it was��‘go time.’��I loved seeing that enthusiasm. He always had a heart for the game and a heart for his teammates.”��

David Bentley and the Trojans Men’s Basketball Team. Bentley is on the first row, third from left.

91������ Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. William Monts has fond memories of coaching with Bentley and, like Taylor, agrees with Bentley’s being “the glue” because of his special gift of bonding coaches and players.�� ��

“I am absolutely a better person for knowing David,” Dr. Monts said. “He has brought joy to my life through our many conversations about basketball and life. He is an inspiration to many people simply due to his positive and optimistic outlook on life and his faith in Jesus Christ.”����

Key to Bentley’s coaching has been��maintaining��and cultivating caring relationships. He measures success not by wins and losses, but by “living trophies”—former players who become educated, employed, and devoted husbands and fathers.����

Jason Rutland, who was coaching Anderson’s baseball team while Bentley was in college, saw how he befriended members of his team. Rutland, who himself uses a wheelchair for mobility, formed a bond with Bentley at Anderson and beyond��when he��was facing increasing physical��challenges��himself.������

“He’s a wonderful guy. He’s incredibly driven,” said Rutland, who currently serves as associate vice president for parent and family engagement, stewardship and major gifts at 91������. “He has a lot of respect of all those guys—Chandler Hash and Myson Jones and all those guys on that team… When you’re in college trying to figure out who you are and how you fit in… He’s really come into his own just knowing who God made him, what’s that purpose—he’s fully embraced that.” ��

“If they know you care about them and have their best interests, they’ll go through a wall for you,” Bentley said. “The greatest sense of accomplishment is seeing them go on to college, get an education, and become husbands and fathers. One of the highest��accompliments��you can receive is a parent telling you they trust their child with you.”����

Mrs.��Whitaker continued, “From day one, David was all in, and I really appreciate people that that recognize��talent, and��we don’t all have to look the same or have the same gifts to be really valuable.”������

Bentley continues to maintain relationships with former players, texting birthday wishes and celebrating their milestones. Recently, he organized a reunion (pictured above) at an 91������ basketball game, bringing former players back to campus. He hopes there will be more such reunions. ��

Bentley’s ambitions��remain��high. He dreams of coaching at the Division I or NBA level, driven by the same competitive fire that fueled him as a child.����

“If you’re not growing, you’re not going,” Bentley said. “The future is in God’s hands, but I want to see how much success we can achieve at the highest level possible.”����

For the 91������ community, Bentley exemplifies servant leadership and the University’s pillar of Great Purpose.��He proves that while the road may be uphill, the right relationships—and a little bit of “glue”—make the journey worthwhile.����

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Self, a resource teacher at Whitehall Elementary School and Concord Elementary School, said, “I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade. I attended Varennes Elementary in Anderson 5 and had amazing teachers who made learning fun. I also received extra help in the areas of reading, writing and math from a teacher, Mrs. Altman. It was in her classroom and seeing her pour into the students, helping each one overcome their own learning difficulties, I knew I wanted to grow up and be just like her.”��

Self has been teaching for 19 years. She previously served as a second-grade teacher at Calhoun Academy of the Arts before teaching��virtually during��the COVID shutdown. While��teaching with��Anderson��5��Virtual Academy, she made the decision to transition into a new role as a��resource��teacher.����

“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Self said. “I absolutely love being able to support students in a��small��group��setting, meet them where they are, and help them grow.”��

Moved by Self’s dedication in helping their son navigate his learning disability, his father and grandmother nominated her for the . To them, Self was like an angel of mercy—someone who helped him rediscover joy in learning, particularly in reading, writing, and math, areas that had previously been challenging for him. The student’s father shared with WYFF-TV, “He loves school and does not complain. He does his homework, and he is excited about learning now. He is happy about school, and we wanted to recognize Mrs. Self for helping him.”��

Self jokes��about the day she found out she was receiving the Golden Apple Award. Her principal, Missy��McKenzie, had carefully kept the honor a surprise, so��Self had��no idea until a news crew suddenly walked into��her classroom. When WYFF reporter Destiny Chance and her videographer appeared, she looked up in shock and asked, “What are y’all doing here?” Beyond the surprise, Self says she is grateful to those who nominated her and believes any one of her coworkers would be just as deserving. “I work with some of the best teachers,” she said. “It was just��a very��amazing moment.��I’m��very honored to receive this award, especially knowing how few teachers are selected each year.”��

Self is passionate about building strong relationships with her students and sees the potential in every child who walks into her classroom.����

“There is something special and unique about each one of them, and I’m going to find it,” she said. “I want my classroom to be their safe space, and I want to be their person—the one they can cry to, set goals with, celebrate successes with, or simply release frustration.”��

Self finds joy in watching students begin to believe in themselves. Over the years, she has seen many overcome their fears and grow in self-confidence.����

“I love when a student tells me, ‘I��can’t��do this,’ because I see it as a challenge and an opportunity to show them that they��can—and they will—with my help,”��she said. ��

Self loves staying in touch with her former students, living by her motto, “Once your teacher,��always��your friend.” She shared many stories, but a few stood out as especially meaningful. One former student is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Yale, and whenever he is home, they meet up for sushi to catch up. Thanks to technology, he still��FaceTimes��her for pep talks and shares his success stories. Another student, whom Self describes as being “like a daughter,” recently joined her family on a cruise to Jamaica—a trip neither of them will ever forget. Still another former student welcomed a baby two years ago, and Self was invited as a surprise guest to the baby shower and later to the hospital after the baby was born. When the new mother placed the baby in her arms, she smiled and said, “Meet your��grand-student.” Self proudly added, “I’m��a��grand-teacher! I have so many former ‘babies’ I still keep in touch with because, again, that relationship truly matters.”��

After finishing high school, Self had nearly enough college credit to pursue a business degree, but her heart was set on teaching. As she explored her options and visited several campuses, Self ultimately fell in love with Anderson and decided to enroll. She looks back fondly on her professors, who made her feel like more than just a number. “The professors at Anderson teach from the heart—they truly care,” she said. “I saw Jesus in my professors at Anderson, and I want my students to see the same in me.” Self graduated in 2007 with a degree in special education and elementary education. In 2014, she returned to earn a master’s degree in education. ��

“Mrs. Self’s words resonate with the mission of the College of Education and the high quality, devoted, servant leaders we are striving to prepare,” said 91������ College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn. ���he understands the lasting impact an educator can have on the life of a child and has spent her career��facilitating��positive change, one student at a time. We congratulate her on her accomplishments and thank her for��representing��91������ and the College of Education so well.”��

Self shared��a fun memory from her college days.����

“Have you ever heard the legend of the swings on campus?”��she��laughed. “They say if a couple sits there together enough times, wedding bells will follow—and it worked for my husband and me.”����

Self��lived��in Kingsley Dorm, where her husband would often visit, and the two would sit together on the swing outside.����

“That’s where we shared our first kiss,” she said. Years later, when the��Selfs��were expecting and choosing a name, they knew Kingsley was the perfect fit for their daughter.����

“I love 91������—and I have so many wonderful memories there,”��Self added.��“Kingsley loves visiting campus, I hope that one day she will��walk��those grounds as an AU Student.”��

When asked what advice she would give to future educators, Mrs. Self’s response reflects both her heart and her faith. “Just love those babies. They are precious and so unique,” she said. “I��truly believe��there are no mistakes on��a class��roster. God knows which children are meant to be in your classroom and places you there for a purpose.��Find��the reason that��child��is on your roster and not across the hall, and��you’ll��find your purpose too.��That’s��huge.” ��

It’s��that belief—paired with compassion, dedication, and faith—that continues to shape the lives of her students long after they leave her classroom. For Mrs. Self, teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling.��

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The Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement is awarded to 22 education preparation providers (EPPs) that achieved accreditation with no stipulations or areas of improvement by demonstrating strong evidence and data trends. The award, named for Frank Murray, founding president of the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, reflects CAEP’s commitment to advancing equity and excellence in education through quality, evidence-based practices.��

Receiving the award on behalf of the College of Education were Professor of Special Education and Associate Dean Dr. Cindy Baughan, along with Data and Reporting Specialist Jan James. Also at the conference were Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Mark Butler and College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn.��

“We view the accreditation process as part of our ongoing efforts to prepare high quality educators for the classrooms they serve,” Dr. Horn said. “The faculty and staff in the College of Education are instrumental in these efforts, and this award acknowledges their dedication to serving their students well.”��

“The award is important to us,” Dr. Baughan said, “because it shows that we are recognized for the efforts that we put in to ensure that our program is rigorous, that our program meets the standards, that our program graduates are prepared and ready to enter the field and do well.”��

Praising her College of Education colleagues, Baughan commented, “This is truly a team,” adding that faculty and staff are committed to the programs and partnerships involved in properly preparing teachers; they also take an active role in ensuring accreditation standards are met.����

“It’s a natural part of what we do,” Dr. Baughan continued. “Accreditation is telling our story and making sure that we tell it well. We have a great story to tell—I’m proud of that.”��

“We appreciate the teamwork among our faculty and staff who understand the process and importance of collecting data to provide evidence that our College of Education meets the standards,” James said.

The 91������ College of Education��������

The 91������ College of Education focuses on the intellectual development of the student while being attentive to the ideals of character, servant leadership and cultural engagement. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, onsite or online. Details can be found here.��

��

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Dr. Horn began her career in higher education at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, where she served as the CAEP coordinator and chair of the Department of Educational Specialties. She most recently held the position of director of graduate studies and program faculty chair of special education at the University of Kentucky where she served as a faculty member for eight years.����

“I am delighted that Dr. Horn has joined 91������’s Academic Leadership team to serve as the Dean of the College of Education,” said 91������ Provost Dr. Ryan Neal. “Her biography is compelling: she is an award-winning teacher, an accomplished program director, and an accreditation expert. She is well-positioned to lead the College’s outstanding teacher education programs in the context of a faith-based comprehensive university.”��

Dr. Horn’s early career experience was as a middle school special educator in a rural setting. A Lexington, Kentucky native, Dr. Horn is a three-time graduate of the University of Kentucky’s Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education program. Her research focused on active engagement strategies for learners with extensive support needs and mentoring and induction strategies for preservice and in-service educators. She serves as both a board member and historian for the American Council for Rural Special Education (ACRES) and is an active member of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) at both the state and national level.��

Dr. Horn feels blessed to be a part of Anderson’s College of Education, praising the extensive experience of the faculty, many of whom have several years of experience as educators in public schools.����

“I think that allows you to not only be able to talk the talk, but to walk the walk, that you are clearly aware of the challenges, but also the power of a well-trained educator,” Horn said. “It’s really important work, especially for an institution that’s grounded in faith, to make sure that we’re putting out servant leaders.”��

Dr. Horn recently traveled to Valencia, Spain to compare and contrast the educational practices for students with high incidence disabilities in international settings. She and her husband, Mark, have three children.��

The 91������ College of Education������

The 91������ College of Education focuses on the intellectual development of the student while being attentive to the ideals of character, servant leadership and cultural engagement. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, onsite or online. Details can be found here.��

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Gunnels was selected from among all school-level Teachers of the Year who were honored at the annual SDPC Support Employee and Teacher of the Year Banquet, held on August 19. The banquet celebrates exceptional teachers and support staff across SDPC, recognizing their dedication to student success and their contributions to building strong school communities. The evening concluded with the announcement of Gunnels as District Teacher of the Year.��

Gunnels has served in education for 11 years and currently teaches Reading, English Language Arts, and Social Studies at Liberty Elementary School. She is known for creating a classroom that blends rigorous academics with a culture of care and belonging. Her innovative use of “learning ladders” helps students track their progress step-by-step, and her “CELEBRATE button” tradition ensures that every milestone—big or small—is recognized with joy and encouragement.��

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that “education is both hard work and heart work.” As she tells her students: “Once a Gunnels kid, always a Gunnels kid. I’m so proud of you.” That phrase is hanging above her classroom door – the last thing her students see before they leave her room. “It’s my promise to every student who enters my classroom: you will always belong, and I will always cheer for you,” said Gunnels.��

“Mrs. Gunnels represents the very best of SDPC,” said Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck. “Her ability to combine high expectations with deep care for her students makes a lasting impact. She is a shining example of how great teaching transforms lives.”��

Beyond her classroom, Gunnels sponsors Liberty Elementary’s Beta Club, mentors new teachers, and plays a key role in school-wide events. “Elizabeth engages parents and families through constant communication and has been a driving force in making Liberty Elementary a welcoming, student-centered school,” said Lowell Haynes, Principal of Liberty Elementary. ���he inspires peers, empowers students, and strengthens families and the community.”��

Families share similar praise. One parent described her as “that teacher” — the kind whose influence lasts a lifetime — recalling how she supported their daughter through challenges with compassion and encouragement.��

Another family credited her with helping their son overcome pandemic-related learning gaps and finish elementary school with confidence.��

In her Teacher of the Year application, Gunnels identified chronic absenteeism as one of the most urgent challenges facing education today. She believes schools must address root causes by fostering supportive environments, engaging families, and providing proactive interventions. “If families are not getting their basic needs met, then students aren’t going to learn—much less want to learn,” she wrote.��

Her willingness to tackle complex issues, while remaining deeply grounded in the relationships she builds with students, reflects the balance of passion and professionalism that earned her this recognition.��

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Teaching wasn’t Darryl Franklin’s first career choice, but it’s proven to be rewarding for both him and his students.��

Seeing his passion and dedication for teaching middle schoolers STEM disciplines, Franklin’s peers at West-Oak Middle School named him 2025 Teacher of the Year.��

Franklin, a 1995 graduate of the 91������ College of Education, said, “to get recognition from my colleagues makes it a little more special… It just lets me know that other people see not only what I’m doing in the classroom but on a day-to-day basis at West-Oak.”��

Before becoming a teacher, Franklin worked in electrical construction for Duke Energy. He’s enthusiastic about teaching his students science concepts hands-on—an approach his professors at 91������ modeled.��

“I’m not a textbook-oriented teacher, I love to be doing. We build rockets. We build race cars. Every week we’ve got something else going on in the classroom, and a lot of that came from the experiences I had at AU,” Franklin said.��

This hands-on learning approach rose to a new level when his students at West-Oak Middle got involved in robotics competitions, adding an exciting engineering element to their science instruction.��

“We started our first team last year,” Franklin said. “We compete both at middle school and high school level. We finished the year ranked twentieth in the state out of a little over 100 teams. This year we’ve expanded to four teams… The kids go through that mechanical process and the engineering process of thinking through a problem and finding a solution. If that solution doesn’t work, we regroup and plan another solution.”��

Teaching has been rewarding for Franklin, who has taught in public and private schools, and on the elementary and middle school levels.��

“I try to go into it every day knowing that everyone deserves a chance to learn and everyone can, and it’s my job to present it in a way that everyone has a chance to learn,” Franklin said. “It’s not an easy field to be a part of. Days can be challenging, but the rewarding days certainly outweigh any of the bad days I’ve ever had in a classroom.”��

West-Oak Middle School is located in Westminster, South Carolina, and is part of the School District of Oconee County.��

Franklin shared more about his teaching career and the robotics competitions in AU Network.��

The 91������ College of Education������

The 91������ College of Education focuses on the intellectual development of the student while being attentive to the ideals of character, servant leadership and cultural engagement. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, onsite or online. Details can be found here.��

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When 91������ Education major Mary “MK” Green applied for a summer internship at the Smithsonian Institution, she thought it might involve doing clerical work connected with classes they offer in their summer educational program. When she had her interview with the Smithsonian, the staff there were impressed enough with her background to offer much more.��

This past summer Green worked as a summer camp instructor at the Greenville Zoo, teaching youngsters about some of the zoo’s exotic animals—turtles, snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, and her favorite, the Madagascar hissing cockroach.����

“We would hold them and let the kids touch them and get to do mini presentations on them,” she said, adding that the Madagascar hissing cockroach was as big as the palm of her hand.��

During her interview with the Smithsonian, Green talked about her educational background and previous camp experience.����

Of the interview, Green commented, “It was going to mainly be just preparing the back end of office of the summer camp work, so we could be scheduling the different museum tickets and��getting supplies together and more of the paperwork side of things, or she could hire me on as a seasonal instructor. Of course, I would rather be the instructor because I’m going to be a teacher. I told her I would love to do that and I ended up getting contract work, because it’s just for the summer, so I’m a summer camp instructor and I’ll work with a co-teacher.”��

During the spring semester, Green began to prepare curriculum for the seven weeks she would be conducting weeklong camps with her co-teachers as a Smithsonian Associate. Smithsonian Associates is a program that partners with all of the different Smithsonian museums and offers camps in a wide variety of topics that include history, technology and nature.����

“One camp is called Bugs and Botany. At all times there may be 10 to 15 different camps going on. They’re grouped by age ranges, so there’s kindergarten through first grade, second through third, third through fourth and then they all have their different topics and themes,” Green said, adding that she will teach classes at the different Smithsonian museums in the District of Columbia.����

For Green, who grew up in Anderson, her program and professors who genuinely care have been the best part of her college experience.��

“Doctor Richard Rosenberger has always been such an encouragement to me and such a big supporter, and then Dr. Tanya Cordoba who taught me about museum education and inquiry-based education—I would also credit her for this opportunity,” she said.��

Dr. Rosenberger, who is an assistant professor in the 91������ College of Education, observed that when Green would stand up before classes to make presentations, she had a unique ability to engage her classmates.��

He said, “MK has an unnatural ability to make her teaching lessons come alive. Teaching classes at the Smithsonian Institution for Education is only going to enhance her gift with a diverse and a global audience.”��

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Anderson School District 3 recently named 91������ education graduate Jessica Blanton as their 2025 Rookie Teacher of the Year. Flat Rock Elementary School, located in Anderson District 3, named Hannah Rose Swope as their 2025 Teacher of the Year.��

Jessica Blanton��

For Blanton, a teacher at Flat Rock Elementary School who received her bachelor’s degree from Anderson in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood add-on, receiving such an affirmation means a lot.��

“This means that I’m doing something right, that everything that I’m doing is making a difference and especially in a school like Flat Rock,” she said. “We’re Title 1 and our kids come to us with additional needs other than academically. I feel like I’m able to fill a lot of different needs in their lives and people are noticing that, appreciate it and see the difference that I’m making.”��

Blanton is a first-generation college graduate who entered education after her two children were grown.��

“I became a paraprofessional in kindergarten and I was like ‘I can do this.’ One day my principal came to me and she said ‘Jess, I want you to go back to school. You have a passion, you’re great at it, I see so much potential in you,’” she said. ���he’s still the same principal that I have now.”��

Blanton feels blessed to be able to teach first grade, where so many discoveries are being made by children for the first time, including developing��reading and writing skills that are crucial to their future.��

“To watch them go from ‘I only know that letter and that sound’ to reading and understanding and seeing the joy that comes from just having a book in their hand,” she said. “It’s a sweet spot. It’s fun because they’re growing academically and as a person. Their little personalities are starting to come out.”��

Hannah Rose Swope��

Swope, who went to school at Starr Elementary in Anderson District 3, is completing her fifth year of teaching in the same district at Flat Rock Elementary School.��

“I feel very grateful and blessed to be able to work at this school and in this district,” said Swope, who teaches second grade. “It’s really nice to be back home. It makes me very grateful to work with my peers who all voted me in for Teacher of the Year.”��

Swope became interested in teaching when she was in high school.��

“I got into teacher cadet and loved being able to get into the classroom, especially with elementary school… I was able to be a teacher cadet at Flat Rock,” Swope said. “That was a great opportunity. It helped me see what it was like to be at the school that ended up being the school where I wanted to be for my teaching career.”��

Swope enjoys seeing her students learn and is especially grateful for Shine Time, an intervention and enrichment program supporting students who need assistance in specific areas.��

“I’ve been able to see a lot of growth from those students,” Swope said. “I’ve seen progress each time in those small groups, and that’s been very encouraging. I’m very proud of the hard work that those kids have put in.”��

Swope is grateful for her professors in the 91������ College of Education and the ways her program has shaped her as an education professional.��

“I think the professors there were very helpful. Whenever I had questions there always were open doors to be able to ask them questions and that always made it easy for me to answer any questions that I might have,” Swope said. “I really appreciate the fact that AU gets their students into the classroom as soon as they do… I think it helps create better educators who are committed to the education field.”��

The 91������ College of Education����

The 91������ College of Education focuses on the intellectual development of the student while being attentive to the ideals of character, servant leadership and cultural engagement. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, onsite or online. Details can be found here.��

The post Education Alumni Receive Teacher of the Year Honors in Anderson District 3 appeared first on 91������.

Bond, a 2023 graduate who is a middle school math teacher and head basketball coach at Beck Academy in Greenville, was recognized during the annual BOLD Celebration in Education February 10 in Greenville. BOLD Leadership Network is a nonprofit organization made up of a collaborative group of Black male school leaders whose goal is to make a positive impact in the community. ��

“To have someone in the community see something in me that I’ve been doing the work I’m passionate about—it was an honor,” he said. In addition to this award, Bond was blessed to be nominated this past August for the GSC First-Class Teacher Award.����

Though homeschooled for much of his education, Bond wanted to teach in a public school setting where he feels he can impact young lives in the most meaningful ways. Teaching seventh grade math, he is committed to building an engaging, safe and positive culture in his classroom and developing in them strong critical thinking skills that will serve them well in life. ��

“I believe that developing a strong work ethic is important in helping this current generation of students,” he said.����

Bond shared the simple joys he obtains from walking into his school every day. Seeing the character development, observing the academic progress and creating amazing memories with these middle schoolers is what it is all about for Bond. He shared that it was his mission to stay locked in for his students’ sake and be a daily dose of a positive light that will never dim.����

As a student, Bond received from the 91������ College of Education the Teacher Candidate of the Year award. He also received the Call Me MiSTER Distinguished Service Award at the conclusion of Camp iRock, a summer educational camp for elementary school students.��

Being in the Call Me MiSTER program at 91������ was transformational for Bond.����

“Call Me MiSTER was really impactful for me I would say,” Bond said. ���omething that’s big about Call Me MiSTER is the brotherhood and leadership training but also staying on mission and staying on focus… I know that I’m there for these kids, I’ve been trained up to stay locked in on my ‘why.’”������

“Kamin was an outstanding student and leader at AU, so it comes as no surprise to us to see him recognized for his work as he lives out his calling as an educator,” said 91������ College of Education Dean Dr. Mark Butler. “The Call Me MiSTER program is an exceptional program designed to support and mentor young men as they prepare to impact their communities, and Kamin is the realization of those aims as a role model, a professional and an outstanding mentor now himself.”��

Call Me MiSTER was created to increase the availability of African American male educators from diverse backgrounds, offering tuition assistance to undergraduates who are largely selected from underserved, socioeconomically disadvantaged and educationally at-risk communities. Details about Call Me MiSTER at 91������ can be found online here.��

The 91������ College of Education��

The 91������ College of Education focuses on the intellectual development of the student while being attentive to the ideals of character, servant leadership and cultural engagement. Programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, onsite or online. Details can be found here.��

The post College of Education Graduate Receives 2025 BOLD Educator on the Rise Award appeared first on 91������.