Being named Teacher of the Year for a school district is a big deal. It is also a big deal when the Teachers of the Year for all three Charleston-area school districts are graduates of the College of Charleston School of Education, Health, and Human Performance. Dean Fran Welch calls it the “triple crown.” The last “triple crown” was in 2007.

“We are so proud of these educators and are absolutely thrilled the Teachers of the Year from all three districts are our alumnae,” says Meta Van Sickle, chair of the Department of Teacher Education. “This ‘triple crown’ is a true testament to the many exceptionally high-caliber teachers produced by our teacher education programs and to the support of the faculty and staff of our school as well as the schools and districts where these teachers excel in their classrooms.”

Lisa Trott, Charleston County School District Teacher of the Year, earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the College in 1991. She was recognized by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards with National Board Certification in 2001 and successfully renewed her certification in 2011.

Jennifer Fusco, Dorchester District 2 Teacher of the Year, earned her bachelor’s degree from the College in 2009 in 2008, and achieved National Board Certification in 2012. Fusco is a fifth grade language arts teacher at Beech Hill Elementary School.

Stephanie Wallace, Berkeley County School District Teacher of the Year, earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from the College in 2003 and her M.Ed. in Early Childhood in 2005. She achieved National Board Certification in 2009.

“I did not just leave College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s Degree, I left with the confidence, heart, soul and determination to change young lives while striving to inspire and develop life-long learners,” says Stephanie Wallace, who teaches a multiage model with first and second graders at Berkeley Elementary School. “I am constantly reading and researching best practices to ensure I am doing my part to build the foundations for college and career readiness along with global competency among all students.”

“The College of Charleston’s School of Education, Health, and Human Performance provided explicit instruction on teaching and management strategies, but was consistent in allowing us, as students, to learn freely from experience as student-teachers,” notes Jennifer Fusco. “Also, as a Teaching Fellow at the College of Charleston, I was guided and mentored. My overarching goal is to lift students up as I challenge them, so they become self-motivated thinkers who work towards success in literacy and life.”

Lisa Trott teaches at Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School.

“I think I bring energy, excitement, and challenge to the table when I’m teaching my students. I research everything I teach so that I feel confident in how and what I am imparting. Next, I find a creative and artistic component for my lessons. I truly believe that teaching through the arts cements learning and brings joy to the process.”

Next on Trott’s educational bucket list is a Master’s degree, probably from the College of Charleston.

“The College of Charleston prepared me well (and continues to do so) for the rigors and joy of my career choice!  Teaching is a practice, so more time spent in a classroom, the better one will be!” Trott says.

The School of Education, Health, and Human Performance’s Teacher Education program was recently reaccredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education with no areas for improvement.  The program was recognized for meeting all six NCATE standards, with performance at the highest target level on three of the standards.