Mt. P. Has 3 Teacher of the Year Finalists

Of the five finalists for Charleston County Teacher of the Year, three are from Mount Pleasant. The winner will be announced at a special Educator Night at the RiverDogs game tonight.

William Howard from Cario Middle School, Elizabeth Helen Parker from Pinckney Elementary, and Nancy Dabit from Moultrie Middle School are all finalists, according to the school system.

North Charleston teachers Laura Stanley from Daniel Jenkins Academy, Jeneane Grace from Pinehurst Elementary are also finalists.

The winner receives a year's lease on a new Volvo from Volvo of Charleston, as well as a $250 award from Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union.

The selection process for Teacher of the Year is fairly intense. Nominees submit an application packet describing their greatest contributions and accomplishments to education and their personal beliefs about teaching.

A Teacher Roundtable then selects five finalists to advance to the final round of
the selection process. The selection panel visits each of the finalists, conducts interviews with each of them and then selects the Teacher of the Year.

Three Rookie of the Year teachers will be announced and honored at the RiverDogs game. Prior to the first pitch, educators will take part in a picnic. The award will be presented at 6:30 p.m.

Eva Rutiri, a West Ashley High School teacher, received last year's award.