For this kind of dedication, Taylor was named Anderson District Five Teacher of the Year.鈥�听

Taylor began his career at T.L. Hanna High School during one of the most challenging periods in modern education. In his first year, he earned the distinction of District Rookie Teacher of the Year. Six years later, his colleagues at T.L. Hanna named him Teacher of the Year. He then went on to be named Anderson District Five Teacher of the Year.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a blessing,鈥� Taylor said of representing both the district and his alma mater, 糖心Vlog传媒. Taylor’s honor came with an unexpected perk: the use of a new Toyota 4Runner for a year. While friends and colleagues were impressed by the vehicle, Taylor feels that his real reward is knowing that fellow educators believed in the work he has done for students.听

Long before the awards, Taylor knew he wanted to become a teacher because of the influence educators had on his own life. Growing up in Greer, he was inspired by teachers who invested in him and by a football coach who became a mentor during pivotal moments of his youth. Their example showed him the profound impact educators can have far beyond academics.听

When Taylor visited 糖心Vlog传媒 in 2015, he immediately felt at home. He loved the campus, the atmosphere and the close-knit culture of the university. He applied, was accepted, and never looked back. 听

Some of his favorite college memories revolve around friendships that remain strong today. He spent all four years on the 糖心Vlog传媒 campus living with his cousin, Josh Leisten, and later shared an apartment with TJ Galloway, now a special education teacher and football coach. Taylor also worked in student activities, where his supervisor, Brenna Morris, taught him lessons in professionalism, leadership and respect that continue to shape the way he interacts with students and colleagues.听

At 糖心Vlog传媒, Taylor also discovered his passion for coaching. He began coaching football while still a student, working at middle and high schools while juggling coursework and student teaching responsibilities. The long drives between Anderson and Greer during football season were demanding, but they confirmed that education and athletics were the perfect combination for his talents and interests. Perhaps most importantly, 糖心Vlog传媒 is also where he met his future wife, making the school an even more meaningful part of his story.听

For most of his career at T.L. Hanna, Taylor taught mathematics, helping students navigate the challenges of Algebra I.听听

鈥淭here鈥檚 not a better feeling,鈥� he explains, 鈥渢han seeing a student struggle with a concept and then suddenly have it click.鈥� For Taylor, success has never been measured solely by test scores. Sometimes the victory is helping a student gain enough confidence to ask questions, persevere through challenges and achieve a goal that once seemed out of reach.听

After six years teaching math, Taylor transitioned into physical education and now serves as an assistant strength coach while leading T.L. Hanna鈥檚 adaptive physical education program. While this may not be a commonly chosen pathway, Taylor sees it as a rewarding teaching opportunity.听听

His adaptive PE students include young people with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through creative programming and after-school championship events, Taylor has helped create experiences many students never would have otherwise.听

During the school鈥檚 Kickball Championship, the softball field comes alive with lights, music, a scoreboard and an announcer. Students wear jerseys, hear their names called over the loudspeaker and compete before family, friends and classmates.听听

For many participants, it is their first opportunity to experience the excitement and recognition often associated with school athletics. Events include cornhole, bowling and T-ball championships, all designed to foster inclusion and celebrate student achievement. General education students serve as mentors, creating friendships and experiences that extend beyond the classroom. One recent kickball championship attracted 123 spectators.听

Those moments rank among the most rewarding of Taylor鈥檚 career. He strongly believes that every student deserves to feel seen, valued and connected to the larger school community. When adaptive PE students compete alongside their peers and hear cheers from the crowd, Taylor sees barriers disappear and confidence grow.听

The same philosophy guides his work on the football field.听听

While wins and championships are exciting, Taylor says the greater reward is watching young men develop into dependable, respectful and selfless leaders. The lessons learned through athletics, he believes, can shape a student鈥檚 character long after the final whistle blows.听听

Taylor is quick to credit mentors, veteran teachers and colleagues who have invested in him along the way. His advice to future educators is simple: stay humble, surround yourself with experienced people and always keep students at the center of your work.听

That mindset may explain why Taylor鈥檚 career has been marked by such rapid success. Yet awards alone do not tell the story.听听

The real measure of his impact can be found in the algebra student who finally believes they can succeed, the football player learning what it means to put others first, or the adaptive PE participant hearing their name announced beneath stadium lights.听听

For Dylan Taylor, Teacher of the Year is simply another opportunity to do what inspired him all those years ago: show up for students, believe in them and make sure every one of them knows they belong.听

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鈥淭hey never forget how you make them feel. I always want all my students to believe they are the best,鈥� Gray said, adding, 鈥淥nce you鈥檙e in my class, you鈥檙e always one of my kids.鈥�听

Gray, an 糖心Vlog传媒 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鈥檚 taught grace a door in her room, serving as a reminder of why she鈥檚 there.听

Because of all that, ACE Academy recognized Gray, a graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education, as their Teacher of the Year. She鈥檚 pictured above with Principal Josh Bacchus.听

Gray, who initially received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Resources from Anderson, didn鈥檛 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. 听

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 糖心Vlog传媒, where she earned her master鈥檚 degree in education.听

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

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.听

鈥�Now I think after being selected by my peers three times, it’s very clear where I’m supposed to be,” Gray said. 鈥淚’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.鈥�听

“I come from a divorced family,” Gray said. “Thank goodness I had a strong steady support system, but so many don’t have that.鈥� Thinking of the children in her classroom today, she reflects, 鈥淏ut 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.鈥�听

糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn said, 鈥�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 糖心Vlog传媒 well. We are proud of her accomplishments!鈥�听

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

鈥沦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, 鈥楳iss Gray, what are you doing here?鈥� I said, 鈥榃ell, I’m here for you. You gave me the calendar.鈥欌��听

Looking back on that day, Gray commented, 鈥淚 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.鈥�听

Gray鈥檚 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, 糖心Vlog传媒 is a family tradition. They recently celebrated George and Barbara鈥檚 fiftieth wedding anniversary in the Banquet Hall of theStudent Center at听and love coming out to football games in the fall to cheer on the Trojans.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 really a 360鈥攁 circle that鈥檚 been completed in lots of ways,鈥� she said.听

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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.”听听

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.听听

Bentley’s path to 糖心Vlog传媒 began with an unexpected encounter while he was a student at Greer High School. Then-AU head coach Jason Taylor arrived听to听recruit star players Chandler Hash and another athlete. Greer听Boys Basketball听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.听听

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

Taylor, who is currently associate head basketball coach at Morehead State University, recalls听observing听Bentley鈥檚 鈥渋nfectious energy鈥� that people听tended听to gravitate toward.听听听

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

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

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

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

“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.”听听

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.听听

A few years after graduating from 糖心Vlog传媒, Bentley鈥檚 physical difficulties鈥攁lready a challenge鈥攚ere getting worse.听听听

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

Bentley relied on a wheelchair and holding onto walls to move. He went to see an orthopedist, who quickly听identified听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.听听听

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

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

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

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

Taylor commented, 鈥淚 nicknamed him 鈥榯he glue鈥� simply because he听literally had听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听student assistant manager, friend of the team鈥攁nd had the integrity to do those things. He kept the trust of all the players and kept the trust of all the coaches鈥攖hat’s听fairly rare.鈥澨�听

糖心Vlog传媒 First Lady Diane Whitaker remembers going to games and听observing听Bentley on the bench and how听set听the tone for the action on the court.听听

鈥淗e always had a clipboard in听hand听and he would start beating that clipboard,” Whitaker said. 鈥淚 can remember looking down and going,听鈥榦kay, things are about to get heated because听he’s听out of his seat, clapping on that clipboard and cheering those guys on.鈥櫶齏hen David got cranked up, it was听鈥榞o time.鈥櫶齀 loved seeing that enthusiasm. He always had a heart for the game and a heart for his teammates.鈥�听

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

糖心Vlog传媒 Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. William Monts has fond memories of coaching with Bentley and, like Taylor, agrees with Bentley鈥檚 being 鈥渢he glue鈥� because of his special gift of bonding coaches and players.听 听

鈥淚 am absolutely a better person for knowing David,鈥� Dr. Monts said. 鈥淗e 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.鈥澨�听

Key to Bentley鈥檚 coaching has been听maintaining听and cultivating caring relationships. He measures success not by wins and losses, but by “living trophies”鈥攆ormer players who become educated, employed, and devoted husbands and fathers.听听

Jason Rutland, who was coaching Anderson鈥檚 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听when he听was facing increasing physical听challenges听himself.听听听

鈥淗e鈥檚 a wonderful guy. He鈥檚 incredibly driven,鈥� said Rutland, who currently serves as associate vice president for parent and family engagement, stewardship and major gifts at 糖心Vlog传媒. 鈥淗e has a lot of respect of all those guys鈥擟handler Hash and Myson Jones and all those guys on that team… When you鈥檙e in college trying to figure out who you are and how you fit in… He鈥檚 really come into his own just knowing who God made him, what鈥檚 that purpose鈥攈e’s fully embraced that.鈥� 听

“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听accompliments听you can receive is a parent telling you they trust their child with you.”听听

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

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

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

“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.”听听

For the 糖心Vlog传媒 community, Bentley exemplifies servant leadership and the University鈥檚 pillar of Great Purpose.听He proves that while the road may be uphill, the right relationships鈥攁nd a little bit of “glue”鈥攎ake the journey worthwhile.听听

The post Building Bridges: How Bentley Became “The Glue” appeared first on 糖心Vlog传媒.

Self, a resource teacher at Whitehall Elementary School and Concord Elementary School, said, 鈥淚 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.鈥�听

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

鈥淚t was one of the best decisions I鈥檝e ever made,鈥� Self said. 鈥淚 absolutely love being able to support students in a听small听group听setting, meet them where they are, and help them grow.鈥�听

Moved by Self鈥檚 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鈥攕omeone who helped him rediscover joy in learning, particularly in reading, writing, and math, areas that had previously been challenging for him. The student鈥檚 father shared with WYFF-TV, 鈥淗e 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.鈥�听

Self jokes听about the day she found out she was receiving the Golden Apple Award. Her principal, Missy听McKenzie, had carefully kept the honor a surprise, so听Self had听no idea until a news crew suddenly walked into听her classroom. When WYFF reporter Destiny Chance and her videographer appeared, she looked up in shock and asked, 鈥淲hat are y鈥檃ll doing here?鈥� 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. 鈥淚 work with some of the best teachers,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was just听a very听amazing moment.听I鈥檓听very honored to receive this award, especially knowing how few teachers are selected each year.鈥�听

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

鈥淭here is something special and unique about each one of them, and I鈥檓 going to find it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want my classroom to be their safe space, and I want to be their person鈥攖he one they can cry to, set goals with, celebrate successes with, or simply release frustration.鈥�听

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.听听

鈥淚 love when a student tells me, 鈥業听can鈥檛听do this,鈥� because I see it as a challenge and an opportunity to show them that they听can鈥攁nd they will鈥攚ith my help,鈥澨齭he said.鈥�听

Self loves staying in touch with her former students, living by her motto, 鈥淥nce your teacher,听always听your friend.鈥� She shared many stories, but a few stood out as especially meaningful. One former student is currently pursuing a master鈥檚 degree at Yale, and whenever he is home, they meet up for sushi to catch up. Thanks to technology, he still听FaceTimes听her for pep talks and shares his success stories. Another student, whom Self describes as being 鈥渓ike a daughter,鈥� recently joined her family on a cruise to Jamaica鈥攁 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, 鈥淢eet your听grand-student.鈥� Self proudly added, 鈥淚鈥檓听a听grand-teacher! I have so many former 鈥榖abies鈥� I still keep in touch with because, again, that relationship truly matters.鈥�听

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. 鈥淭he professors at Anderson teach from the heart鈥攖hey truly care,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 saw Jesus in my professors at Anderson, and I want my students to see the same in me.鈥� Self graduated in 2007 with a degree in special education and elementary education. In 2014, she returned to earn a master鈥檚 degree in education.鈥�听

鈥淢rs. Self鈥檚 words resonate with the mission of the College of Education and the high quality, devoted, servant leaders we are striving to prepare,鈥� said 糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn. 鈥沦he understands the lasting impact an educator can have on the life of a child and has spent her career听facilitating听positive change, one student at a time. We congratulate her on her accomplishments and thank her for听representing听糖心Vlog传媒 and the College of Education so well.鈥�听

Self shared听a fun memory from her college days.听听

鈥淗ave you ever heard the legend of the swings on campus?鈥澨齭he听laughed. 鈥淭hey say if a couple sits there together enough times, wedding bells will follow鈥攁nd it worked for my husband and me.鈥澨�听

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

鈥淭hat鈥檚 where we shared our first kiss,鈥� she said. Years later, when the听Selfs听were expecting and choosing a name, they knew Kingsley was the perfect fit for their daughter.听听

鈥淚 love 糖心Vlog传媒鈥攁nd I have so many wonderful memories there,鈥澨齋elf added.听鈥淜ingsley loves visiting campus, I hope that one day she will听walk听those grounds as an AU Student.鈥�听

When asked what advice she would give to future educators, Mrs. Self鈥檚 response reflects both her heart and her faith. 鈥淛ust love those babies. They are precious and so unique,鈥� she said. 鈥淚听truly believe听there are no mistakes on听a class听roster. God knows which children are meant to be in your classroom and places you there for a purpose.听Find听the reason that听child听is on your roster and not across the hall, and听you鈥檒l听find your purpose too.听That鈥檚听huge.鈥濃��听

It鈥檚听that belief鈥攑aired with compassion, dedication, and faith鈥攖hat continues to shape the lives of her students long after they leave her classroom. For Mrs. Self, teaching is more than a profession鈥攊t is a calling.听

Self Named Finalist

On May 23, 2026, WYFF announced that Mrs. Self was named as one of the five finalists for the Golden Apple Award.

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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鈥檚 commitment to advancing equity and excellence in education through quality, evidence-based practices.听

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.听

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

鈥�The award is important to us,鈥� Dr. Baughan said, 鈥渂ecause 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.鈥�听

Praising her College of Education colleagues, Baughan commented, 鈥淭his is truly a team,鈥� 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.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a natural part of what we do,鈥� Dr. Baughan continued. 鈥淎ccreditation is telling our story and making sure that we tell it well. We have a great story to tell鈥擨’m proud of that.鈥�听

“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 糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education听听听听

The 糖心Vlog传媒 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.听

听

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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.听听

“I am delighted that Dr. Horn has joined 糖心Vlog传媒鈥檚 Academic Leadership team to serve as the Dean of the College of Education,” said 糖心Vlog传媒 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鈥檚 outstanding teacher education programs in the context of a faith-based comprehensive university.”听

Dr. Horn鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.听

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

鈥�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,鈥� Horn said. 鈥淚t’s really important work, especially for an institution that’s grounded in faith, to make sure that we’re putting out servant leaders.鈥�听

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

The 糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education听听听

The 糖心Vlog传媒 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.听

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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.听

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 鈥渓earning ladders鈥� helps students track their progress step-by-step, and her 鈥淐ELEBRATE button鈥� tradition ensures that every milestone鈥攂ig or small鈥攊s recognized with joy and encouragement.听

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that 鈥渆ducation is both hard work and heart work.鈥� As she tells her students: 鈥淥nce a Gunnels kid, always a Gunnels kid. I鈥檓 so proud of you.鈥� That phrase is hanging above her classroom door 鈥� the last thing her students see before they leave her room. 鈥淚t鈥檚 my promise to every student who enters my classroom: you will always belong, and I will always cheer for you,鈥� said Gunnels.听

鈥淢rs. Gunnels represents the very best of SDPC,鈥� said Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck. 鈥淗er 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.鈥�听

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

Families share similar praise. One parent described her as 鈥渢hat teacher鈥� 鈥� the kind whose influence lasts a lifetime 鈥� recalling how she supported their daughter through challenges with compassion and encouragement.听

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

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. 鈥淚f families are not getting their basic needs met, then students aren鈥檛 going to learn鈥攎uch less want to learn,鈥� she wrote.听

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.听

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Teaching wasn鈥檛 Darryl Franklin鈥檚 first career choice, but it鈥檚 proven to be rewarding for both him and his students.听

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

Franklin, a 1995 graduate of the 糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education, said, 鈥�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.鈥�听

Before becoming a teacher, Franklin worked in electrical construction for Duke Energy. He鈥檚 enthusiastic about teaching his students science concepts hands-on鈥攁n approach his professors at 糖心Vlog传媒 modeled.听

“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,鈥� Franklin said.听

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.听

鈥淲e started our first team last year,” Franklin said. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�听

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

“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. 鈥淚t’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.鈥�听

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

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

The 糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education听听听

The 糖心Vlog传媒 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.听

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When 糖心Vlog传媒 Education major Mary 鈥淢K鈥� 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.听

This past summer Green worked as a summer camp instructor at the Greenville Zoo, teaching youngsters about some of the zoo鈥檚 exotic animals鈥攖urtles, snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, and her favorite, the Madagascar hissing cockroach.听听

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

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

Of the interview, Green commented, 鈥淚t 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听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鈥檓 a summer camp instructor and I’ll work with a co-teacher.鈥�听

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.听听

“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,鈥� Green said, adding that she will teach classes at the different Smithsonian museums in the District of Columbia.听听

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

鈥�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鈥擨 would also credit her for this opportunity,鈥� she said.听

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

He said, 鈥淢K 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.鈥�听

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Anderson School District 3 recently named 糖心Vlog传媒 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.听

Jessica Blanton听

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

鈥�This means that I鈥檓 doing something right, that everything that I’m doing is making a difference and especially in a school like Flat Rock,” she said. 鈥淲e’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.鈥�听

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

鈥淚 became a paraprofessional in kindergarten and I was like 鈥業 can do this.鈥� 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,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥沦he鈥檚 still the same principal that I have now.鈥�听

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听reading and writing skills that are crucial to their future.听

鈥淭o watch them go from 鈥業 only know that letter and that sound鈥� to reading and understanding and seeing the joy that comes from just having a book in their hand,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t’s a sweet spot. It’s fun because they’re growing academically and as a person. Their little personalities are starting to come out.鈥�听

Hannah Rose Swope听

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.听

鈥淚 feel very grateful and blessed to be able to work at this school and in this district,鈥� said Swope, who teaches second grade. “It鈥檚 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.鈥�听

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

鈥淚 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. 鈥淭hat 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.鈥�听

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.听

鈥淚鈥檝e been able to see a lot of growth from those students,” Swope said. “I鈥檝e seen progress each time in those small groups, and that鈥檚 been very encouraging. I鈥檓 very proud of the hard work that those kids have put in.鈥�听

Swope is grateful for her professors in the 糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education and the ways her program has shaped her as an education professional.听

鈥淚 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.鈥�听

The 糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education听听

The 糖心Vlog传媒 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.听

The post Education Alumni Receive Teacher of the Year Honors in Anderson District 3 appeared first on 糖心Vlog传媒.