Future Teacher Scholarships

Pictured from left to right are: Hannah Hovis of Andrew Jackson High, Lauren Barnes a freshman at Clemson, and Mary Hannah Howie of Indian Land High School. Behind the recipients are past Partners for Youth Chairman Jim Howey and Vice Chairman Hal Crenshaw. The 2011 scholarship recipients were secondary math and special education teachers. Ms. Barnes-Knight is now a math teacher at Lancaster High School. Ms. Hovis teaches at Heath Springs Elementary and Ms. Howie taught at Buford Elementary.

Chauncey Metzelaars

Harrisburg Elementary School Special Education Teacher

Future Teacher Scholar and Harrisburg Elementary School Special Education Teacher Chauncey Metzelaars was recently asked why she became a teacher

I chose teaching because I wanted to give back to children in my community and make a difference in their lives like my teachers did in mine.

I originally went to Charleston Southern University for Early Childhood Education. When I took an Introduction to Special Education class, I knew that Special Education was what I wanted to do. Teaching Special Education, especially students with moderate and severe disabilities, can be tough but is extremely rewarding. My students bring me so much joy. The challenges make the successes even more exciting!

My advice to parents is to support the work your child does at school at home. More gains can be made if parents and teachers work on things together.

My advice to students thinking of going into the teaching field would be to do it! Being a teacher is such a rewarding job!

Claudette Roberts

Kershaw Elementary School Resource Teacher

Future Teacher Scholar and Kershaw Elementary School Resource Teacher Claudette Roberts was asked why she became a teacher

I had always been one of those people who enjoyed being in the teacher position. At church I have taught many years of Bible School, Sunday School, GA’s, Acteens, Youth Group, and even adult classes. I guess in my heart, I had always wanted to be an educator. You may say that I went about achieving this goal somewhat backwards; however, it fell right into place for my family. On my very first day of college, I was a 38-year-old wife and mother of 3 with a full-time job as an Instructional Assistant in Kindergarten. 6 years later, I graduated with a Masters plus 30 in Special Education specializing in Learning Disabilities. I will always be grateful to the Lancaster County Partners for Youth for allowing me to be the very first “nontraditional” student to receive their teaching scholarship. Thank you for taking a chance on me!

Many have asked why I chose to teach Special Education; I can honestly say that I feel that this area chose me. I have learned that it is not patience, but the ability to see the potential of each child; their strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and most of all, to count each and every victory, no matter how small. My advice for others who may be considering this area is to remember to be flexible in what and how you are planning to teach; lesson plans are great, but allowing for flexibility can often help to create those “teachable moments” that are so much a part of differentiated instruction. Always remember that your colleagues, administrators, and parents make up your team; strive together to help our students to be successful. This should always be our common goal.

Brandan Craig

Heath Springs Elementary 5th Grade Teacher

Future Teacher Scholar and 5th grade teacher Brandan Craig at Heath Springs Elementary was recently asked why he chose to teach.

I chose teaching because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the future of America. I wanted to share the knowledge I have gained over the years and share the love of learning that I have gained.

Advice to parents of children in school?

My advice would be to make sure you are working with your students at home and entrusting the love of learning in them. Students come to school carrying the weight of whatever is going on at home so making sure you show your students how important education is will be a key to them learning to love school.

Advice to students who are thinking about going in to teaching?

Teaching is a hard career and it’s not for everyone but if you feel the calling to become a teacher make sure you work hard in school and that you love to learn and love to teach others to learn!

Brandy Bradley

McDonald Green Elementary Kindergarten Teacher

Future Teacher Scholar and McDonald Green Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Brandy Bradley was asked recently why she chose to teach.

My grandmother was a teacher, and as a little girl I always played with her teaching manuals. My family and I would play school, and I just remember always wanting to be the teacher as we played. I, also, had great mentors throughout my education career. Those role models made me want to become a teacher and make a difference in the lives of children, like they made a difference with me.

Advice to parents of children in school?

My advice is to read with your child and play games with your child. You are their first teacher, and for that I thank you!

Advice to students who are thinking about going in to teaching?

If it is truly your passion, then follow it. It is the most rewarding career you will ever have!

Lisa Pressley Lloyd

Brooklyn Springs Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher

Lancaster County Partners for Youth Future Teacher Scholar and Brooklyn Springs Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Lisa Pressley Lloyd was recently asked why she became a teacher.

I chose teaching because I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. I love learning and seeing the learning that takes place in the children’s expressions. The “light bulb” moment is so powerful!

My advice to parents is to talk and work with your child daily. Find out what he/she is learning about and try to build on that at home to make your child’s knowledge of that topic even deeper. Also work as a team with your child’s teacher. Ultimately, we all want what is best for the child so we should work together to get there.

My advice to students thinking of going into the teaching field would be to get out in the classrooms and volunteer. Work with all age groups and see which ones you like best and make sure this is the profession you want to go into. Teaching is not easy but it is so rewarding!

Future Teacher Scholarship Recipients Attend All These Great Schools

University of South Carolina Upstate

Brandon Craig, Buford High School

Winthrop University

Madison Adams, Buford High School

Heather Bailey, Lancaster High School

Chauncey Beaver, Indian Land High School

Megan Bradley, Andrew Jackson High School

Katy Ghent, Lancaster High School

Drew Griffin, Andrew Jackson High School

Courtney Harley, Andrew Jackson High School

Mary Hannah Howie, Indian Land High School

Nataly Knight, Lancaster High School

Catherine Anne Langley, Buford High School

Sarah Nader, Lancaster High School

Lisa Pressley, Buford High School

Rebekah Phillips, Andrew Jackson High School

Aubree Rape, Andrew Jackson High School

Minyon Nicole Williams, Andrew Jackson High School

Words from our Scholars…We are so PROUD of them!

My name is Joseph Morris. I am a recipient of a Lancaster County Partners for Youth Teaching Scholarship for the year 2008 – 2009. I want to express my gratitude to Lancaster County Partners for Youth for the financial assistance which enables me to pursue my teaching degree. My goal is to return to Lancaster to teach physical education and to coach high school soccer. Thank you once again for helping me achieve my goal!

Sincerely,
Joseph Morris