Justin Wingard, math teacher at Palmetto High School, was named the District One Teacher of the Year at the District’s opening kick-off meeting held Friday, August 12 at Palmetto High. Employees gathered at Palmetto High School to honor school teachers of the year from each of the 12 schools in District One and to hear the announcement of the District One Teacher of the Year.
Following the announcement, Wingard shared with his fellow teachers that his greatest contribution to education is instilling confidence in his students to believe they can be successful if and only if they work.
“My belief is that the teacher’s role is to build upon a student’s prior knowledge by firming up what they have already been exposed to, introduce them to new material and then create connections to what they will see in the future,” Wingard said.
He is supportive of all school events to make connections with students outside the classroom and identify their interests.
He is head coach for the Palmetto High school boys’ varsity soccer team.
He can also be found on the sidelines at each Clemson University football game managing the coaches’ communication system.
Anderson One Superintendent David Havird said, “Mr. Wingard works beautifully with students as well as his colleagues. Mr. Wingard is beginning his third year of teaching at Palmetto High and has made such a positive impact on students and their achievement in a short time.”
Fellow teacher Lisa Houston said “Justin is one of the most dedicated teachers I know. He is always willing to help students, colleagues, and administration with anything they need. He is an asset to Palmetto High. We are lucky to have him at Palmetto High.”
Wingard earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Clemson and later received a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Science in Sports Management from Georgia Southern University.
Jane Harrison, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction said, “Mr. Wingard is an outstanding teacher. The students love being is his classroom. He has very high expectations and engages the student in the learning process. He is very creative and innovative in his teaching but often presents learning opportunities for teachers in the district.”
Palmetto High Principal ,Robert Roach, said, “Mr. Wingard has proven to be an invaluable member of the Palmetto faculty. He demonstrates exceptional command of his content and challenges his students to new heights of academic performance.”
All District One Teachers of the Year were honored at a luncheon with board members, administrators and family members in attendance.
Nadia Granger, Palmetto Elementary and Molly Rains from Wren High were finalists for Teacher of the Year.
Teachers of the Year from each school included:
Cedar Grove Elementary – Sheri Whitworth
Concrete Primary – Ashlee Kellett
Hunt Meadows Elementary – Sarah McKinney
Palmetto Elementary – Nadia Granger
Powdersville Elementary – Tammy Lee
SPearman Elementary – Paige Allen
West Pelzer Elementary – Chelsea Roberts
Wren Elementary – Suzanne Dunn
Palmetto Middle – Amy Allen
Powdersville Middle – Shelby Arneberg
Wren Middle – Amy Lanford
Palmetto High – Justin Wingard
Powdersville High – Leslie Hill
Wren High – Molly Rains