The Richmond County School System released the names of its five finalists for the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year.
Finalists include Martina Anderson, Ebony Lindsey, Vanessa Patten, Melody Spires-Howe and Shikara Willis, according to a press release.
Anderson works as a media specialist at McBean Elementary School and has “spent her entire teaching career of 28 years shaping the future generation as a social studies teacher, a special needs instructor, and now as a technology and media specialist,” said the press release.
She also graduated from Augusta College with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and criminology, Augusta State University with a master’s degree in special education, and Valdosta State University with an educational specialist degree in media and technology.
Lindsey is currently a science, technology, engineering and mathematics instructor at Wheeless Road Elementary School and has been teaching for 20 years in Richmond County.
“She earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Paine college,” said the press release. “A Master’s degree in instructional technology from Troy University, and a specialist degree in technology from Leslie University. “
Patten, a first grade teacher at Warren Road Elementary School, has also been teaching for more 30 years with the previous 26 spent bettering Richmond County. She received her Bachelor of Arts for elementary education and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina Aiken. She also has a master of education in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in reading from from Grand Canyon University.
Spires-Howe is currently an Advanced Placement Social Studies teacher at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School. She has been educating students in the Richmond County School System for her entire eight-year career. Spires-Howe earned a bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in the art of teaching both from Augusta University.
Willis teaches fifth grade language arts at C.T. Walker Magnet School and has been an educator for 19 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Paine College, a master’s degree in reading and literacy from Walden University, and a specialist in advanced studies from Augusta University.
All five teachers were selected as finalists after a long application and screening process, and were reviewed by a panel.
The Richmond County Teacher of the Year will be named during a banquet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.
