Teachers From Area Schools Honored

Two teachers at Taylors area schools and another in the Wade Hampton area were named finalists for 2012-13 Greenville County Teacher of the Year. 

Will Ragland, drama teacher at Woodmont High School, was ultimately honored with the award, but Rex Smith, science teacher at League Academy was named second runner-up. Abigail Cook, chemistry teacher at Wade Hampton High School, was named third runner-up. 

Jennifer Valenti, eighth grade Spanish teacher at Northwood Middle School, was also a finalist. 

Each candidate for Greenville County Teacher of the Year is judged on nine areas including those on his or her application form, a classroom visit and an oral review.  In the classroom, judges observe the teacher's command of subject matter, classroom environment, communication skills, enthusiasm, creativity and classroom management skills. During the interview, candidates are judged on his or her use of effective communication skills, organization of response, knowledge and command of subject matter and substance and relevance of response.