Christy Hughes, fourth grade teacher at Cedar Grove Elementary has been named as 2013-14 Anderson School District One Teacher of the Year. As the district’s Teacher of the Year, Hughes will represent District One in the competition for South Carolina Teacher of the Year.
She will serve on a state-wide advisory panel to the State Department of Education and will receive $1,000 in recognition of her outstanding achievements.
“I am truly humbled to represent Anderson District One as District Teacher of the Year,” Hughes said. “My philosophy of teaching is based on the simple philosophy of winning the hearts of those I teach. I have found that students work harder when they know that the person who is standing before them cares. In doing so, I hope to make a positive life-long impact on my students. “
Hughes went on to say, “District One is so gracious in ensuring that teachers have all that is necessary to provide the best education for our students. I would also like to express my appreciation for the various acts of kindness from everyone during this exciting time. I am blessed to be a part of the greatest team of educators.”
Kristie Finley, Principal at Cedar Grove, said, “Christy inspires learning in kids and never gives up on her students. It was apparent within the first two weeks that she was in our school that one of her particular gifts in the classroom is the ability to bring students together as a community of learners and then to move them forward from where they are to meet the standards.”
“She is a calm, kind teacher, and also firm in that her students know that she will not let them give any less than their very best,” Finley said. “Christy is representative of all that is good in our school and she is truly deserving of this honor.”
Anderson District One Superintendent David Havird said, “Mrs. Hughes has a sincere love for her students and a passion for the art of teaching. This is very evident in her daily interactions with her students. She has high expectations for all her students and provides the support and guidance for each child to meet his/her potential. Mrs. Hughes is a master teacher who puts students interest first and foremost as she carries out her teaching responsibilities at Cedar Grove Elementary School. She will represent the district and teaching profession in an exemplary manner.”
Hughes has been teaching for 20 years and is beginning her third year in Anderson One. She is National Board Certified. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Anderson University and her Masters at Clemson University. She is a member of Phi Delta Kappa and the SC International Reading Association. She is a member of Honea Path First Baptist Church. She is married to Brad Hughes and they have two sons.
The District One Teacher of the Year announcement was made at the annual Back to School Kick Off for all employees on August 14. Jane Harrison, Assistant Superintendent stated, “Ms. Hughes is an outstanding teacher in our district and this is a well deserved honor.”
Merebeth Adams, Wren Middle, Alexa Moon, Palmetto Middle and Chad Mustin, Powdersville Middle were named finalists.
Other District One Teachers of the Year candidates include:
Cedar Grove Elementary – Christy Hughes; Concrete Primary – Pat Jones; Hunt Meadows Elementary – Angie Gaines; Palmetto Elementary – Tammy Lee; Powdersville Elementary – Lindsay Nix; Spearman Elementary – Katy Bethea; West Pelzer Elementary – Carla Nash; Wren Elementary – Katie Tyner.
Teacher of the Year at Palmetto Middle – Alexa Moon
Powdersville Middle Chad Mustin; Wren Middle – Merebeth Adams; Palmetto High – Toby Major; Powdersville High – Jessica Payne and Wren High – Kelly Young
