Daniel Island School's Jason McDermott named district 'Teacher of the Year' finalist
Daniel Island School teacher Jason McDermott has been named a finalist for the Berkeley County School District “Teacher of the Year.” The district announced McDermott and Devon Forest Elementary’s Emily Reichbach and Goose Creek High’s Amanda Cooper as Honor Roll Teacher of the Year finalists at its annual Teacher Forum Induction on Friday, March 23.
The top three educators will advance to compete for the 2018 district-level Teacher of the Year honor. McDermott, a sixth-grade social studies teacher, has been educating students at DIS for 11 years. Five years ago, he spearheaded and piloted a new technology program at the school, which features a personalized learning approach for each student, within DIS and the district.
According to DIS Principal Kori Brown, McDermott’s passion for his subject matter and the field of education is an ongoing force within his classroom and his community.
“Not afraid to take risks, he has innovated a flipped classroom and is constantly in the process of re-evaluating and improving processes that are utilized,” stated Brown. “Mr. McDermott welcomes parental involvement and draws in parents with his obvious enthusiasm. His classroom is clearly designed to reflect student needs and his efforts to meet those needs on an ongoing basis. His ability to communicate with the various groups with whom he comes in contact during the school day are an asset to the school and the community.”
“I could not be more excited for Jason, Emily and Amanda,” said 2017 BCSD Teacher of the Year Nicholas Snyder. “I know just how anxious and excited they all are, as I was in their same shoes just one year ago. I hope they will take the time to enjoy these moments and show the final selection committee what all of their peers already know, that they are outstanding educators. BCSD is lucky to have teachers of their caliber, and I cannot wait until April to learn who our next Teacher of the Year will be.”
The district will announce its 2018 Teacher of the Year on Thursday, April 27, at the annual Teacher of the Year Breakfast, sponsored by the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, Santee Cooper and Trident Technical College.
Ashley Cox, a teacher at Hanahan Middle School (HMS), was recently named one of three finalists for the BCSD “Rookie Teacher of the Year.” Robin Rogers, principal at HMS, noted that Cox “is a tremendous young teacher who goes the extra mile for all of her students. She works hard to differentiate and individualize her lesson plans to accommodate her students’ needs, and she has become a vital member of the 5th grade team by taking an active role in collaboration and planning. Ms. Cox is an effective communicator with parents and colleagues, exhibiting professionalism and maturity beyond her years.”
All school-level Rookie Teachers of the Year, as well as the three finalists, will be recognized at the final PRIDE Celebration on May 29 at Westview Middle School. The District will announce its Rookie Teacher of the Year during the celebration.