Two teachers were recognized by Greenville County Schools as 2020-21 Emerging Teachers of the Year on Thursday, Sept. 24. The school district surprised them by having superintendent Burke Royster visit their classrooms and present their awards and prizes.
Julia McKissick, school counselor at Lake Forest Elementary, and Mark Crain, firefighting instructor at Enoree Career Center, were each given $500, a crystal award and $500 for their school, according to a release.
McKissick has taught students mindfulness strategies to deal with issues as part of Lake Forest Elementary’s social-emotional learning program. She also organizes Career Day and Backpack Buddies as well as hosts an Angel Tree.
Watch video: https://www.facebook.com/gcschools/videos/2447873832171849
“She is a champion and advocate for all students and has built strong relationships with students, families and staff,” school district spokesperson Tim Waller said in the release.
Crain served 20 years as an interior structural firefighter before he became an instructor at Enoree Career Center.
“His ability to develop meaningful lessons, his gift for meeting students where they are, and then to have students excel at incredible levels, is outstanding for a second-year teacher,” Waller said.
Watch video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=778689782968147&extid=5L9pDYkVb53WvUpy
Greenville Federal Credit Union served as the presenting sponsor for the award with additional sponsorship from the Bank of Travelers Rest, Chickfil-A of Greer, Expressions Unlimited, Herff Jones of SC and T-Mobile.
