Summerville Teacher in Running for 'Top Teacher'

Summerville Elementary School fifth grade teacher Kathy Green needs your vote to become Top Teacher.

Green has been nominated and is a semifinalist in the national Top Teacher Competition by ABC TV show "Live with Kelly and Michael."

The announcement was made Friday morning. Twelve teachers nationwide were selected as semi finalists. Green is the only teacher from South Carolina to make the semi finals. 

The five teachers with the most votes will be selected as finalists. Voting ends 5 p.m. Monday, April 15.

Click here to vote!

You can vote multiple times, but only once per day. The finalists will be announced April 16. 

Here is the letter nominating Green:

Dear Kelly & Michael,

Kathy Green has made a difference in countless number of students’ lives, but I am thankful for the difference she has made in my child's life. At this Title One school (which among other qualifications means more than half the students at the school qualify for free lunches) teachers face many challenges when they teach students from all types of backgrounds. Due to the impact of the economy (three years ago) on our family personally, we chose to remove our children from the private school and sent them to our local public schools. The change for my children and as a parent was at first met with hesitation. But the change was beyond our expectations and thankful for a teacher that has made a dramatic impact on our youngest daughter. 

Mrs. Green was our daughter's 4th grade teacher. From the minute you step into her classroom you know you will learn in a nurturing and challenging environment. Mrs. Green has high expectations for her students and guides them with a caring and structured nature. My daughter is motivated daily to do all that she can to her best because she wants to do it not just for herself but for Mrs. Green too. My daughter once told me that "Mrs. Green makes me want to be a better person". What 9 year old says that unless they can wholeheartedly feel the spark that their teacher has "lit" in them? 

Lucky for us, Mrs. Green moved to the 5th grade and we have the pleasure of being in her class again this year. I know it is not just my daughter who benefits from her exemplary skills as a teacher. She has been the schools teacher of the year, the school districts teach of the year and she deserves more accolades. She does such a great job making her strive to do their best in spite of any challenges they may face. She expects the "whole cookie - not the crumbs" once you enter a classroom. A great analogy that she demonstrates so the kids understand why she wants their best efforts - always. Which is not always easy to get from a student in a school that qualifies for Title 1. 

Mrs. Green is a caring, dedicated and motivating teacher that deserves to be recognized. She has had such a positive impact on my child and I can't begin to thank her for all she has done. It would be great if you could help me with that with this award.

Kristin Schulz