Teacher of Year will be named at banquet tonight

When Amanda Meyer graduated from USC Aiken a few years ago, she got a job at North Aiken Elementary School.

She was anxious about her ability to help the students at the school, which has the district's highest numbers of kids eligible for free and reduced lunch.

Before the school year began, however, Meyer began work that summer on a master's degree in divergent learning through Columbia College. Among her instructors was Dr. David Mathis, a former Aiken County associate superintendent and now the Saluda schools superintendent.

"I think about him a lot," said Meyer. "He told us, 'A quality teacher trumps poverty,' and that has stuck with me. Our test scores at North Aiken are proving he was right."

Meyer has quickly demonstrated her own status as a quality instructor. Beginning just her fourth year in the classroom, she was named North Aiken's teacher of the year last spring. She will join 39 other teachers of the year at the school district's annual banquet at Newberry Hall tonight at 7 p.m.

"That was a real surprise, especially since you have to have taught at least three years to be nominated," Meyer said. "There are many other teachers more worthy than me."

Last year Meyer was selected as a district "model classroom" teacher. Her class is often observed by other teachers and students in the district. She also did model lessons during a professional development program at East Aiken Elementary School in June.

"She's a master teacher," said North Aiken Principal Rhonda Ray. "Amanda is very competent, very knowledgeable of the standards and has a great rapport with her students. She is one who collaborates with other teachers to meet the school and district goals. She is just exceptional."

A native of Hampton, Meyer knew at an early age she wanted to be a teacher. Like many future educators, she had a natural instinct to instruct her younger sisters - or stuffed animals if the girls weren't available. When she stepped into a kindergarten class while taking Teacher Cadet as a high school senior, Meyer knew for sure where she belonged.

USCA professors like Ann Holley and now-retired Dr. Maggie Riedell created a love of literature for Meyer. She appreciates Brandy Green, her mentor at Aiken Elementary School during her student internship.

"Of course, when you're teaching your own class, it's another world," Meyer said. "I landed here at North Aiken and loved it. I had plenty of help, too. The school was still under the Reading First grant and (reading coach) Mary Diggs was in my room every day."

Classroom organization is essential, Meyer said. Every day her kids read aloud, go into independent and shared reading and work in centers and small groups. In addition to separate writing blocks, Meyer integrates science and social studies into the reading instruction block.

If she ever goes into school administration, don't expect it anytime soon.

"I really can't see myself doing anything other than teaching," Meyer said. "There's no better feeling than helping kids and seeing them evolve."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.

The Aiken County School District will host the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet tonight at Newberry Hall at 7 p.m.

The new district teacher of the will be announced, succeeding Aiken High German teacher Lisa Lader, last year's winner.

Public Education Partners, the event sponsor, also will name a technology award winner among the school-based teachers of the year.

Other banquet sponsors are Bridgestone, Cash and Kimberly Canada, Bank of America, Security Federal Bank, SCE&G, USC Aiken's School of Education, URS, Posey Funeral Home, SRP Federal Credit Union, Savannah River Remediation, City of North Augusta and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.