Florence, SC – Dr. Leah Barley of Royall Elementary School has been selected as Florence School District One’s 2015-16 Teacher of the Year. She was selected from over 20 applicants in Florence One schools. Florence One Superintendent Dr. Randy Bridges surprised Dr. Barley on Wednesday with the announcement of her title for 2015-16. Accompanied by an entourage of school personnel and media to the school, Dr. Bridges visited Dr. Barley’s classroom and presented her with a bouquet of flowers and balloons as her students watched.
Weeks ago the teacher of the year selection panel reviewed all applications and the four teachers whose applications received the highest scores emerged as Honor Roll Teachers. Last week these four teachers including Dr. Barley, Melissa Fulmore of the Florence Career Center; Tara Hill of McLaurin Elementary; and Shemia Hunter Yearwood of Wilson High School, all underwent classroom observations and interviews conducted by a three-member selection panel from outside Florence One.
“I cannot allude to one single accomplishment that stands out more than others because that would require me to tell of each student I have ever met,” said Dr. Barley. “My joy is found in supporting students who don’t think they can, and then celebrating with them when they do! My humble hope is that my students know that they are loved, that I believe in their ability to succeed, and that they have acquired the desire for knowledge.”
Dr. Barley, who has fifteen years of teaching experience, has served in her present position at Royall for the past twelve years. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher. Among her professional leadership activities are services as a school coach for Student Learning Objectives (SLO) Evaluation; ADEPT Certified Evaluator and SAFE-T Evaluator, published author in ProQuest, and Master Teacher Accelerated Reader Certifications.
Royall Elementary School Principal Julie Smith said, “Dr. Leah Barley is truly deserving of this honor. She is an innovative and energetic leader in our school. Beyond her stellar achievements as our school’s writing lab instructor, Dr. Barley is a creative problem solver who willingly gives her time, energy and enthusiasm to make Royall Elementary School the best it can be!”
Dr. Barley holds an Educational Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University; a Master’s Degree plus 30 hours in Instructional Technology as well as a Master of Education in Special Education/Learning Disabilities from Francis Marion University; and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburg. She has previously served in Horry County and in Florence School District Three.
While earning her doctoral degree Dr. Barley was offered an online teaching position to work with student teachers nationwide. “During this process, I guide, coach, and require students to reflect on their own practices,” she said. In addition to her online students, she partners with Francis Marion University and Coker College to mentor student teachers within her own community. “These positions allow me to share my passion for education, guide new teachers, and build professional relationships within the teaching community. This contribution is most rewarding as it allows me in some ways to repay those who have given me guidance during my own journey.”
Dr. Barley will represent Florence School District One in this year’s South Carolina Teacher of the Year Program.
-This information is from a Press Release.
