CCSD's 2010-2011 Teacher Forum Leadership Team
Welcome to the Teacher Forum!
The Forum Leadership Team is comprised of CCSD’s current Teacher of the Year five finalists including the district winner— Maisha Rounds— and last year’s group. These teachers represent different backgrounds, teaching styles, and areas of expertise.
All of them, however, are interested in connecting with other teachers— existing CCSD teachers and prospective teachers— as well as staff and parents, community members and business leaders. Please contact them if you want to “talk” teaching, have any questions about how they teach effectively, or just want to connect with someone who is achieving “Victory in the Classroom."
Maisha Rounds (CCSD's 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year)
I teach: the Third Grade Academy at Sanders-Clyde Elementary/Middle School.
On teaching in Charleston: There is no better place to be than in the Lowcountry—we have the best students, teachers, and administrators around!
Advice: Teach passionately and urgently with faith in your abilities as a competent educator as well as faith in your students' abilities to achieve and succeed!
Contact Information:
- Work Phone: (843) 724-7783
- E-mail Me
Meike McDonald
I teach: high school math at Septima Clark Academy. I work with students deemed at-risk of dropping out of high school.
On teaching in Charleston: This is a great city with many opportunities for field trips and real-world connections to students. I think our district is on the right path moving forward, and we are continuing to maintain a high level of achievement and excellence.
Advice: Scour the internet for ideas, tips, lessons and interactive ideas. During my first year of teaching, I was constantly kicked out by the janitors! Also, try to attend and present at conferences in your content area; you learn the best information from other teachers.
Contact Information:
- Work Phone: (843) 762-2774
- E-mail Me
Jarrett Vella
I teach: U.S. History and World History at the Military Magnet Academy.
On teaching in Charleston: Charleston is an excellent city to teach in because our city combines a full history with a vibrant future.
Advice: My advice to teachers is to remember that you are setting the stage for every class. Your attitude will be contagious whether it is positive or negative. Excellent teachers are not allowed to be negative, regardless of what you are feeling. Excellent teachers are authorities on their subjects, so keep current. Your students will pick up on your competence almost as quickly as they will discern your attitude.
Contact Information:
- Work Phone: (843) 745-7102
- E-mail Me
Ellyn Winkles (CCSD's 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year)
I teach: all levels of Drama in an outstanding Fine Arts department at West Ashley High School.
On teaching in Charleston: The arts are alive in Charleston! It’s so important to allow students to grow and shine through arts programs. Inspiration and example abound in our community.
Advice: Love what you do, and do what you love! I love the process of teamwork, creativity and exploration needed to pull together a play or production. What a blessing to have made that journey with so many young people.
Contact Information:
- Work Phone: (843) 573-1201, ext. 5213
- E-mail Me
Anna Bronk
I teach: English and Journalism at Charleston County School of the Arts.
Contact Information:
- Work Phone: (843) 529-4990
- E-mail Me
Andrea Gramling
I teach: high school science (including biology, physical science, and earth science) at Garrett Academy of Technology.
On teaching in Charleston: There are a lot of great resources out there in the community for the science teacher in Charleston— the aquarium, the county parks, the Department of Natural Resources, and all of the great professional development programs offered by the Citadel and College of Charleston. Just keep your eyes and ears open!
Advice: Teachers should not only be an expert in their content area, but they should also be an expert on the needs of the students in their classroom.
Contact Information:
- Work Phone: (843) 745-7126
- E-mail Me
Katherine Houser
I teach: Early Childhood at Memminger School of Global Studies.
I am Nationally Board Certified in Early Childhood and have a MEd. in Special Education.
On teaching in Charleston: Charleston is such a dynamic and unique city in which to live and teach. The history, people, and culture of Charleston bring exciting and engaging learning opportunities to our students through a variety of classroom experiences. I am pleased that I have had the opportunity to be an active member of our community by serving as a CCSD teacher for the past 10 years. I have had the fortunate experience of teaching in downtown Charleston and with that, I have been able to take advantage of the rich resources our wonderful city has to offer to our students and their families.
Advice: The Chines proverb: "Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand."
Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions. Effective teaching may be the hardest job there is. Our role as teachers is immeasurable. Therefore, teaching comes from the heart. It is about forming trusting relationships with our students and fostering positive classroom environments to cultivate and support learning. It is about activating students' curiosity, knowledge, and celebrating their uniqueness. It takes patience and commitment. Strong teachers constantly reflect on their practice to help them grow as strong leaders in and out of the classroom. The rewards of teaching are endless, and every day brings new opportunities.
Contact Information:
- Work Phone: (843) 724-7778
- E-mail Me
Online Communication Tool for Educators
The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) offers an online communication tool on which educators can connect online and discuss topics relating to teaching in South Carolina. A great variety of topics are addressed, and one section is devoted to teaching in the Lowcountry. Visit the CERRA website to register.
