Finalists Named for District 5 Teacher of the Year Award

Lexington-Richland District Five has named the finalists for its 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year award.

Finalists are: John Goodale, a physical education teacher at Irmo Elementary; Julie Krusen, a science teacher at The Center for Advanced Technical Studies; and Robert Schiesser, a second grade teacher at Nursery Road Elementary. The district Teacher of the Year will be announced on May 23.

District Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said, “These teachers represent the best of the best in our district, all going above and beyond to ensure that our students get the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. We congratulate the finalists and thank them for all they do to make District Five successful.”

Goodale has worked for District Five for 26 years, including eight years as a physical education teacher at Irmo Elementary School. He has an associate degree from Anderson College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Newberry College and a Master of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina.

“I consider my greatest accomplishment to be the many former students who have become confident and successful members of society,” Goodale said.

Krusen has 12 years of teaching experience and is the first Teacher of the Year for The Center, which opened in August 2012. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina.

Krusen said, “I feel that I am an effective teacher because I manage to challenge students, while showing I am dedicated to their success. I work to build a rapport with students and care about their interests and lives.”

Schiesser has 23 years of teaching experience. He has an associate degree from Nassau Community College and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina.

“I believe my greatest contributions and accomplishments are not professional accolades or degrees and certificates, but the impact I have on my students and parents,” Schiesser said.

Teachers of the Year from each school include:

• Rachael Stenger, Alternative Academy for Success
• Laura Duncan, Ballentine Elementary
• Brandi Canfield, Chapin Elementary
• Rhea Faris, Chapin High
• Ryan Cole, Chapin Middle
• Samonja Holland, CrossRoads Middle
• Christy Easler, Dutch Fork Elementary
• David Kennedy, Dutch Fork High
• Mandy Goldsmith, Dutch Fork Middle
• Kellee Edwards, H. E. Corley Elementary
• Megan Elinski, Harbison West Elementary
• John Goodale, Irmo Elementary
• Brennan Davis, Irmo High
• April Garrett, Irmo Middle
• Renee Morris, Leaphart Elementary
• Nancy Blalock, Lake Murray Elementary
• Robert Schiesser, Nursery Road Elementary
• Brian Mincel, Oak Pointe Elementary
• Anne Downs, River Springs Elementary
• Erica Livingston, Seven Oaks Elementary
• Julie Krusen, Center for Advanced Technical Studies

Submitted by Lexington-Richland 5's Office of Public Information