2014-15 District Teacher of the Year - DaBetta Smith

OCSD5 Announces 2014-2015

School and

District Teachers of the Year!

    Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five recently held its Opening Session to kick-off the 2014-2015 school year. During the Opening session, which had as its theme “Back to Basics”, the district introduced its Teachers of the Year for each school and the 2014-2015 OCSD5 District Teacher of the Year.

    The Teachers of the Year for each school are as follows: Crystal D. Bryant, Bethune-Bowman Middle/High School; Paul Calvert, North Middle/High School; LaVerne P. Harris, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School; Gertrude Robinson, The Technology Center; Aju Alfred, Nelson C. Nix Education Center; Majoria Pearson, William J. Clark Middle School; Shanay Williams, Robert E. Howard Middle School; Jasmine N. Turkvan, Bethune-Bowman Elementary School; DaBetta E. Smith, Brookdale Elementary School; Brandy Gamble, Dover Elementary School; Latoya Glen, Marshall Elementary School; Kimberly Farmer, Mellichamp Elementary School; Maxine Rice, Rivelon Elementary School; Dawn K. Whitesides, Sheridan Elementary School; Tawana Howell, Whittaker Elementary School; and Serino DuBard, High School for Health Professions.

     The 2014-2015 OCSD5 District Teacher Finalists are: Brandy Gamble, Dover Elementary; and Kimberly L. Farmer, Mellichamp Elementary School.

    The 2014-2015 OCSD5 District Teacher of the Year is DaBetta Smith, a 3rd grade English Language Arts teacher at Brookdale Elementary School. Smith, who has twelve years of teaching experience, developed her love of teaching by observing the examples of her mother and two aunts who are all educators. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University, a Master of Education degree in Reading Education from Winthrop University, and an Education Specialist in Teaching (Literacy Concentration) degree from the University of South Carolina. According to Smith, “I view my role as a teacher as a calling rather than simply a profession. It is not something I have to do but it is something I get to do”. Smith continued, “I firmly believe, though differently, all children can learn. It is my responsibility to tap into their individual abilities and meet them where they are. Though it is difficult challenge at times, the end result is always worth it”.

    “We’re very proud of all of our Teachers of the Year and the positive impact they have on the lives of their students everyday” said Superintendent Cynthia Wilson. Wilson added, “These teachers are outstanding role models who are dedicated to helping our children reach their full potential and become the best that they can be”.

    The Teachers of the Year at each school were selected by their peers. From there, an independent committee of community leaders made the final selection to determine the 2014-2015 OCSD5 District Teacher of the Year.